Skill: Identify factors of a number

A factor of a number divides it evenly, with no remainder. Factors also come in multiplication pairs.

Example: Find all the factors of $24$

1. Start with $1$.

$$1 \times 24 = 24$$

So, $1$ and $24$ are factors.

2. Test the next whole number, $2$.

$$2 \times 12 = 24$$

So, $2$ and $12$ are factors.

3. Test $3$.

$$3 \times 8 = 24$$

So, $3$ and $8$ are factors.

4. Test $4$.

$$4 \times 6 = 24$$

So, $4$ and $6$ are factors.

5. Test $5$. It does not divide $24$ evenly, so it is not a factor.

6. The next factor pair is $6$ and $4$, which has already been listed in reverse order. Stop so you do not repeat factors.

Therefore, the factors of $24$ are:

$$1,\ 2,\ 3,\ 4,\ 6,\ 8,\ 12,\ 24$$

Remember to include $1$ and the number itself. Organizing factors in multiplication pairs helps you find every factor without leaving any out or listing any twice.