Factors, multiples, and patterns: FAQ

A factor pair is $2$‍ whole numbers that can be multiplied to get a certain product. For example, the factor pairs of $12$‍ are $(1,12)$‍, $(2,6)$‍, and $(3,4)$‍.

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Factors are the numbers that divide evenly into a larger number. Multiples are the numbers you get when you multiply a number by another number. For example, the factors of $12$‍ are $1$‍, $2$‍, $3$‍, $4$‍, $6$‍, and $12$‍. The multiples of $12$‍ are $12$‍, $24$‍, $36$‍, $48$‍, and so on.

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A prime number is a number that can only be divided evenly by itself and $1$‍. For example, $2$‍, $3$‍, $5$‍, $7$‍, and $11$‍ are all prime numbers.

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A composite number is a number that has more than two factors. For example, $6$‍ is a composite number because it has the factors $1$‍, $2$‍, $3$‍, and $6$‍.

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There are many ways to identify patterns with numbers. For example, we might look for patterns in the factors or multiples of a number, or we might look for patterns in the way the digits of a number change.

There are many ways to identify patterns with shapes. For example, we might look for patterns in the way shapes are repeated, rotated, or reflected.

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