GCF of variables

[tmetts]

I am having trouble with finding the GCF of variables. Can you help, for example:
a^4b^2, a^3b
a^2b,a^3b^2
Thank you

 

[tkhunny]

a^4b^2, a^3b

Just count.

For the first, that's 4 'a's and 2 'b's
For the second, that's 3 'a's and 1 'b'.

What's common?

4 vs. 3 ==> That's 3 'a's
2 vs. 1 ==> That's 1 'b'

You're done.

You do the next one.

 

[Denis]

I am having trouble with finding the GCF of variables. Can you help, for example:
a^4b^2, a^3b : a^4 b^2 + a^3 b = a^3 b(ab + 1)
a^2b,a^3b^2 : a^3 b^2 + a^2 b = a^2 b(ab + 1)
Thank you

If you can't follow that, talk to your teacher.