What is the greatest common factor (GCF) of $x^6$ and $x^4$?

• A. $x^2$
• B. $x^{10}$
• C. $x^6$
• D. $x^4$

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Identify the two expressions for which you need to find the greatest common factor (GCF): \(x^{6}\) and \(x^{4}\).
2. Recall that when finding the GCF of variables with exponents, you take the variable raised to the smallest exponent common to both expressions.
3. Compare the exponents of \(x\) in both expressions: 6 and 4.
4. Determine the smaller exponent, which is 4 in this case.
5. Write the GCF as \(x^{4}\), since this is the highest power of \(x\) that divides both \(x^{6}\) and \(x^{4}\).