Students have been working on finding the Greatest Common Factor and the Least Common Multiple of two or more numbers. We started this unit by looking at how to determine the factors of a given number, as well as how to write a number using prime factorization. To begin this review from last year, we started with a game. I had a cup of red, orange, yellow, and green M&Ms. Reds represented the number 2, oranges 3, yellows 5, and greens 7. I then randomly took 4 M&Ms out and multiplied their values together. Students could not see the colors I had chosen, but were told what the product was. Students therefore needed to use prime factorization in order to determine which colors I had.
After this review of prime factorization, students moved on to finding the GCF and LCM of two or more numbers. Students learned a new method that they could use to find GCF and LCM, and reviewed how to use prime factorization. Students were also introduced to finding the GCF and LCM of more than 2 numbers. They learned to be careful when finding the LCM when 2 of the numbers share a factor that the other number doesn't have. Students also learned how to apply their knowledge of GCF and LCM to real life situations, and to determine which one is required for a given situation.
After this review of prime factorization, students moved on to finding the GCF and LCM of two or more numbers. Students learned a new method that they could use to find GCF and LCM, and reviewed how to use prime factorization. Students were also introduced to finding the GCF and LCM of more than 2 numbers. They learned to be careful when finding the LCM when 2 of the numbers share a factor that the other number doesn't have. Students also learned how to apply their knowledge of GCF and LCM to real life situations, and to determine which one is required for a given situation.