Primary 4 maths · Whole numbers · About 10 minutes
Find factors of numbers up to 100
Match each proposed group size with the number of complete groups it makes.
Start the interactive lesson →Open practice activity
What you will learn
- Find factors of numbers up to 100
Models used: number sentences, stories, tables.
Which rows fit exactly?
Try arranging 12 counters in rows of 3. There are no leftovers.
4 rows run across the picture; each row contains 3 objects.
Try arranging 12 counters in rows of 3. There are no leftovers.
4 rows of 3 = 4 × 3 = 12
3 rows run across the picture; each row contains 4 objects.
So 3 and 4 are both factors of 12: they make a complete rectangle.
3 × 4 = 12
3 rows of 4 = 3 × 4 = 12
Each bag is one group. Counters outside the bags are left over.
Rows of 5 leave 2 counters outside. Five is not a factor of 12.
Equal sharing means every share has the same amount. Check both conditions: the shares match, and all the starting objects are accounted for.
Group 1: 5Group 2: 5
What did the picture help us see?
Rows of 5 leave 2 counters outside. Five is not a factor of 12.
Worked example: A new example, together
Which number is a factor of 30?
| Number | Some factor pairs |
|---|---|
| 30 | 1 × 30; 6 × 5 |
A product links factors and multiples. Read each value with the heading above its column.
Match each proposed group size with the number of complete groups it makes.
A factor divides a amount into complete equal groups.
A product links factors and multiples Number Some factor pairs 30 1 × 30; 6 × 5 A product links factors and multiples. Read each value with the heading above its column.
List factor pairs by testing exact division.
A product links factors and multiples Number Some factor pairs 30 1 × 30; 6 × 5 Which number is a factor of 30?
6
A product links factors and multiples. Read each value with the heading above its column.
A common factor must divide both given numbers.
A product links factors and multiples Number Some factor pairs 30 1 × 30; 6 × 5 A product links factors and multiples. Read each value with the heading above its column.
30 ÷ 6 = 5, with no remainder.
A product links factors and multiples Number Some factor pairs 30 1 × 30; 6 × 5 A product links factors and multiples. Read each value with the heading above its column.
Check the result against the question we started with.
6 × 5 = 30.
We found 6. A factor divides a amount into complete equal groups.
A product links factors and multiples Number Some factor pairs 30 1 × 30; 6 × 5
Common mistakes to discuss
- Every smaller number is a factor. A factor leaves no remainder. 5 is not a factor of 12, because 12 ÷ 5 leaves 2.
Check your understanding
- Find factors of numbers up to 100
- justify a factor or common factor with exact grouping
- check the answer against the original quantities and units
Explain your reasoning to an adult, then try a fresh question in the interactive lesson. A result from one attempt is not proof of lasting mastery.
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