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Multiples and factors - EdexcelMultiples and Factors

Prime numbers, factors and multiples are essential building blocks for a lot of number work. Knowledge of how to use these numbers will improve arithmetic and make calculations more efficient.

Part of MathsNumber

Multiples and Factors

Multiples

The multiples of a number are the values in that number鈥檚 times table. For example, the multiples of 5 are 5, 10, 15, 20, 25 and so on.

There are an amount of multiples of any given number.

Factors

A factor is an that will divide exactly into another number. For example, 8 is a factor of 24 because 8 will divide into 24 exactly 3 times with no remainder.

Factor pairs

Factor pairs are two integers which multiply together to make a particular number. For example, the factor pairs of 12 are 1 and 12; 2 and 6; 3 and 4. This means that the factors of 12 (in order) are 1, 2, 3, 4, 6 and 12. Writing factors in pairs helps to avoid missing any out.

Example

List all the factors of 24.

The smallest integer that will divide exactly into 24 is 1. Remember, 1 is a factor of every whole number. 1 will divide into 24 exactly 24 times (because \(1 \times 24 = 24\)) so 24 is the factor pair that fits with 1.

Once the first factor pair has been recorded, move onto the next integer, 2. Consider whether this will divide into 24 or not. 2 will divide into 24 exactly 12 times, so 2 and 12 are factor pairs.

Considering each integer in turn and whether it will divide into 24 or not. If so, write it as a factor pair in the list.

All factor pairs will have been found when the next integer to consider is already in the list.

Image gallerySkip image gallerySlide 1 of 7, 24,

The factors of 24 are: 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 8, 12, and 24.