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Factors, multiples, and patterns: FAQ

Frequently asked questions about factors, multiples, and patterns.

What are factor pairs?

A factor pair is 2 whole numbers that can be multiplied to get a certain product. For example, the factor pairs of 12 are left parenthesis, 1, comma, 12, right parenthesis, left parenthesis, 2, comma, 6, right parenthesis, and left parenthesis, 3, comma, 4, right parenthesis.
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What is the difference between factors and multiples?

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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What is a prime number?

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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What is a composite number?

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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How can we identify patterns with numbers and shapes?

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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