math

The boomerang method is a process used to determine the greatest common factor (GCF) of two or more numbers. It involves making a “boomerang” out of the numbers, starting with one of the numbers in the middle and then drawing two lines either side of it. From each of the other numbers, draw a line to each of the “spokes” to create a triangle. The GCF is then obtained by taking the highest number that all of the lines have in common. For example, to determine the GCF of 8, 12 and 16: 1. Place 8 in the middle of a triangle and draw two lines either side of it. 2. Draw lines from each of the other numbers (12 and 16) to each of the “spokes”. 3. Determine the highest number the lines have in common (8). 4. This number is the GCF. The boomerang method is a simple, visual method of finding the GCF of two or more numbers. It is an effective method as it allows people to easily visualise the relationships between the numbers involved and so quickly identify the GCF.