To find the greatest common factor (GCF) of the expressions \(2x^2\) and \(4x^2y\), we can start by examining the factors of each term:
-
Factors of \(2x^2\):
- This can be expressed as \(2 \cdot x^2\).
-
Factors of \(4x^2y\):
- This can be expressed as \(4 \cdot x^2 \cdot y\).
Next, we can identify the common factors:
- The coefficients are \(2\) and \(4\), and their GCF is \(2\).
- The variable \(x^2\) is common in both terms.
- The variable \(y\) is not present in \(2x^2\).
Now, combining the GCF of the coefficients and the common variables:
- The GCF is \(2 \cdot x^2\).
Thus, the greatest common factor of \(2x^2\) and \(4x^2y\) is:
\[ 2x^2 \]
Therefore, the correct response is:
2x².