Find the HCF of 72,140,256 by division method.

Explanation

To find the HCF (Highest Common Factor) of 72, 140, and 256 using the division method, follow these steps:

### Step 1: Start with the first two numbers (72 and 140)
We will divide the larger number (140) by the smaller number (72).

1. **Divide 140 by 72**:
- 140 ÷ 72 = 1 (remainder 68)
- So, we write: 140 = 72 × 1 + 68

### Step 2: Now take the divisor (72) and the remainder (68)
Next, we will divide the previous divisor (72) by the remainder (68).

2. **Divide 72 by 68**:
- 72 ÷ 68 = 1 (remainder 4)
- So, we write: 72 = 68 × 1 + 4

### Step 3: Now take the last divisor (68) and the last remainder (4)
Next, we will divide the previous divisor (68) by the remainder (4).

3. **Divide 68 by 4**:
- 68 ÷ 4 = 17 (remainder 0)
- So, we write: 68 = 4 × 17 + 0

### Step 4: Since the remainder is now 0, we stop here
The last non-zero remainder is 4, which is the HCF of 72 and 140.

### Step 5: Now we need to find the HCF of the result (4) and the third number (256)
Now, we will find the HCF of 4 and 256.

4. **Divide 256 by 4**:
- 256 ÷ 4 = 64 (remainder 0)
- So, we write: 256 = 4 × 64 + 0

### Conclusion
Since the remainder is now 0, the HCF of 72, 140, and 256 is 4.

### Final Answer
The HCF of 72, 140, and 256 is **4**.

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