Factors & Multiples

GCF, LCM, and prime factorization

Learning Objectives
Discussion Starters
Differentiation Ideas
Presentation Mode

lessons (5)

Factors are numbers that divide evenly into another number; multiples are products of a number with integers. Understanding factors and multiples is essential for simplifying fractions, finding common denominators, and solving problems in algebra and number theory.

What Students Will Learn

  • Find all factors of a number
  • List multiples of a number
  • Distinguish between factors and multiples
  • Find GCF and LCM
  • Apply to fraction operations

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between factors and multiples?

Factors divide INTO a number (factors of 12: 1,2,3,4,6,12). Multiples are what you get when you multiply BY a number (multiples of 3: 3,6,9,12...).

How do I find all factors?

Test division by 1, 2, 3, etc. until you reach the square root. Each factor has a pair.

What is the relationship between GCF and LCM?

For any two numbers a and b: GCF(a,b) × LCM(a,b) = a × b.