1. The term H.C.F stands for Highest Common Factor, which is the greatest number that divides two or more numbers without leaving a remainder. 2. To find the H.C.F of given numbers, first find the prime factorization of each number. 3. Identify all the prime factors common to each of the numbers. 4. Multiply these common prime factors together to get the H.C.F. 5. For example, if the numbers are 12 and 18: - Prime factorization of 12 = $$2^2 \times 3$$ - Prime factorization of 18 = $$2 \times 3^2$$ 6. Common prime factors: 2 and 3 7. Multiply common factors: $$2^1 \times 3^1 = 6$$ 8. Therefore, the H.C.F of 12 and 18 is 6.