Find the greatest common factor of the expressions $3x^2$ and 9x .

A) 27x
B) $3x^2$
C) 3x
D) $27x^3$
E) $9x^2$

The greatest common factor (GCF) of $3x^2$ and $9x$ is $3x$ , as both terms can be divided by $3x$ to result in integer or whole number expressions. $3x^2$ divided by $3x$ gives $x$ , and $9x$ divided by $3x$ gives $3$ , making $3x$ the largest expression that divides both terms without a remainder.