Math TUTORIAL
Introduction
A factor is a number that divides evenly into another number. For example, the factors of 6 are 1, 2, 3, and 6, because these numbers all divide evenly into 6.
To find the factors of a number, you can start by dividing the number by 2, and then continue dividing by larger numbers until you reach the number itself. For example, to find the factors of 6, you can start by dividing 6 by 2:
6 / 2 = 3
Since 3 is not a whole number, you can continue dividing by larger numbers:
6 / 3 = 2
6 / 4 = 1.5
6 / 5 = 1.2
6 / 6 = 1
The factors of 6 are therefore 1, 2, 3, and 6.
Another way to find the factors of a number is to use a factor tree. A factor tree is a visual representation of the factors of a number. To make a factor tree, you start by writing the number you want to find the factors of in the center. Then, you find the two smallest factors of that number and write them next to the number. For example, to find the factors of 6, you can start by writing 6 in the center:
6
Then, you find the two smallest factors of 6, which are 1 and 2. You write these next to the 6:
6
1 2
Then, you take each of these numbers and find the two smallest factors of them. For 1, the only factor is 1, so you write 1 next to the 1:
6
1 2
1
For 2, the two smallest factors are 1 and 2, so you write 1 and 2 next to the 2:
6 1 2 1 2 At this point, you have found all the factors of 6, so you can stop. The factors of 6 are 1, 2, 3, and 6.