Factors vs. Multiples

Lesson Plan - Get It!

Audio:

The first step to discovering if Ailee's statement is true is to look at the vocabulary words.

Yes! Math has vocabulary, and it is so important in understanding confusing topics.

First, we need to define the words factor and multiple.

• You may have heard of these words before, but do you really understand what they mean?

Factors

Look at these parts of a multiplication equation:

A factor is the number being multiplied by another factor to make a product.

So in this equation, 2 and 10 are the factors of 20.

Let's try a few more:

So now that you know 2 and 10 are factors of 20, try thinking of any other factors that make 20 when multiplied together.

• Can you think of any more multiplication equations that equal 20?

Yes! 4 x 5 and 1 x 20 are also factors that, when multiplied, make the product of 20.

To make a list of the factors of 20, you list them in order from least to greatest:

So, the factors of 20 are 1, 2, 4, 5, 10, 20.

Let's try a few more:

Multiples

Multiples are related to factors because a multiple is the product of a given number by another whole number. Multiples are also what you get when you skip count.

For example, let's find the multiples of 3.

3 becomes a factor, and then we multiply it by each whole number.

We start with the multiplication equations of 3 x 1 = 3 and continue on.

• Could we continue finding multiples of 3?

Yes!

To make a list of the multiples of 3, you list them in order from least to greatest:

The list also shows skip counting by 3.

Let's try a few more:

Factors vs. Multiples

Now, let's compare the two vocabulary words using 10 as an example:

• Ready to practice and discover if Ailee's statement is true?

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