1. **State the problem:** Find the highest common factor (HCF) of 56 and 96. 2. **Formula and rules:** The HCF of two numbers is the largest number that divides both without leaving a remainder. 3. **Method:** Use the prime factorization method. 4. **Prime factorization:** - 56 = $2^3 \times 7$ - 96 = $2^5 \times 3$ 5. **Find common factors:** The common prime factors are powers of 2. 6. **Take the lowest powers:** The lowest power of 2 common to both is $2^3$. 7. **Calculate HCF:** $$\text{HCF} = 2^3 = 8$$ **Final answer:** The HCF of 56 and 96 is 8.