What Are Factors?
A factor is a number that divides another number completely, without leaving any leftover part.
If you multiply two numbers and get a larger number, those two numbers are called factors of the bigger number.
Example 1:
2 3 = 6
So, 2 and 3 are factors of 6.
Example 2:
4 5 = 20
So, 4 and 5 are factors of 20.
Every number can be split into smaller parts, just like how a toy can be broken into smaller pieces.
Why Are Factors Important?
Factors help us:
Simplify fractions
Solve multiplication and division problems
Understand the greatest common factors (GCF) and least common multiples (LCM)
Build a good base for more advanced math
So, learning about factors is like learning the building blocks of numbers!
Rules to Remember About Factors
1.
Every number has at least two factors: 1 and itself.
o Example: 7 factors are 1 and 7.
2.
Factors are always smaller than or equal to the number.
o Example: Factors of 12 are 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, and 12.
All are less than or equal to 12.
3.
Factors come in pairs.
o Example: For 12 1 12, 2 6, 3 4.
4.
How to Find Factors of a Number?
There are two simple ways:
Method 1: Multiplication Method
Think of numbers that, when multiplied, give the number.
Example: Find factors of 24
1 24 = 24
2 12 = 24
3 8 = 24
4 6 = 24
So, factors of 24 are: 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 8, 12, 24
Method 2: Division Method
Check which numbers divide the given number without leaving any remainder.
Example: Find factors of 18
18 · 1 = 18
18 · 2 = 9
18 · 3 = 6
18 · 6 = 3 (already counted)
18 · 9 = 2 (already counted)
18 · 18 = 1 (already counted)
So, factors of 18 are: 1, 2, 3, 6, 9, 18
Prime and Composite Numbers in Factors
Prime Numbers: Numbers that have exactly two factors 1 and itself.
Example: 2, 3, 5, 7, 11
Composite Numbers: Numbers that have more than two factors.
Example: 4 (factors: 1, 2, 4), 6 (factors: 1, 2, 3, 6)
Factor Pairs
When two numbers multiply to make a number, they are called a factor pair.
Example: For 12
1 12
2 6
3 4
So, factor pairs of 12 = (1,12), (2,6), (3,4)
