1. The problem is to find the greatest common divisor (GCD) or greatest common factor (GCF) of the terms in problem 294: $72a^3 b^2$, $18a^2 b^3 x^2$, and $15a^4 b^4 x$. 2. The formula for the GCD of algebraic terms involves finding the GCD of the coefficients and the minimum powers of each variable common to all terms. 3. First, find the GCD of the coefficients: 72, 18, and 15. - Factors of 72: $2^3 \times 3^2$ - Factors of 18: $2 \times 3^2$ - Factors of 15: $3 \times 5$ The common prime factors are only $3$, so the GCD of coefficients is $3$. 4. Next, find the minimum powers of each variable common to all terms: - For $a$: powers are 3, 2, and 4. Minimum is $2$. - For $b$: powers are 2, 3, and 4. Minimum is $2$. - For $x$: powers are 0 (no $x$ in first term), 2, and 1. Minimum is $0$ (since first term has no $x$). 5. Therefore, the GCD of the variables is $a^2 b^2$. 6. Combine the GCD of coefficients and variables: $$\text{GCD} = 3 a^2 b^2$$ 7. Final answer: The greatest common divisor of the terms is $3 a^2 b^2$.