Factors & Multiples
Factors
The whole numbers, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, …, are fascinating! Each one has unique qualities and properties, much like the various chemicals and minerals in our world display different characteristics. And just as physical materials can be broken down into simpler components (elements), so too numbers can be broken down into factors.
Multiples
The multiple of a number is obtained by multiplying it with another number.
Prime and Composite Numbers:
Primes
Some numbers have a ton of factors while others don’t seem to have many at all. Any number that has precisely two distinct factors, 1 and itself, is called prime. Numbers that have more than two factors are composite. The lonely number 1 is neither prime nor composite.
The first ten primes are: 2, 3, 5, 7, 11, 13, 17, 19, 23, 29.
Primes are important because they are the building blocks of every whole number. All composite numbers have a unique prime factorization, that is, a list of the primes or prime powers that are factors of the number. The easiest way to find the prime factorisation of a number is to use a factor tree.
Factor Tree
One activity conducted to find prime and composite numbers, students of grade 6 were actively involved and showed great enthusiasm. Some of the photos are enclosed herewith
Some copy presentation to be showcased:
‘ONLINE GAME FOR STUDENTS’ AS IT IS MUCH NEEDED TO MAKE VIRTUAL LEARNING INTERESTING AND ENGAGING FOR STUDENTS.
Illuminations: Factor Game
Play against the computer or with another person. A great strategy game for factors! Read the directions. It’s a bit tricky. We had to play it once through to really understand.
Link for playing game:
https://www.nctm.org/Classroom-Resources/Illuminations/Interactives/Factor-Game/
Students were really enjoyed playing this game. It helped them to recall the concepts of Factors in an interesting way.
By,
Middle School