Factors and Multiples
Factors and multiples are essential Grade 6 math concepts covered in Illustrative Mathematics Unit 7 Rational Numbers. A factor is a whole number that divides exactly into another number, while a multiple is the result of multiplying a number by a counting number. For example, the factors of 18 are 1, 2, 3, 6, 9, and 18, and the first five multiples of 5 are 5, 10, 15, 20, and 25.
Key Concepts
A factor is a whole number that divides exactly into another number. If $a \times b = c$, then $a$ and $b$ are factors of $c$. A multiple of a number is the result of multiplying that number by a counting number (1, 2, 3, ...).
Common Questions
What is the difference between factors and multiples in Grade 6?
A factor divides evenly into a number, while a multiple is obtained by multiplying a number by a whole number. For example, 3 is a factor of 18, and 18 is a multiple of 3.
How do you find all factors of a number?
Find all pairs of whole numbers that multiply together to give the original number. For 18, the factor pairs are 1x18, 2x9, and 3x6, so the factors are 1, 2, 3, 6, 9, 18.
What textbook covers factors and multiples in Grade 6?
Illustrative Mathematics Grade 6, Unit 7: Rational Numbers covers factors and multiples as key foundational concepts.
Why are factors and multiples important in 6th grade math?
Understanding factors and multiples is essential for simplifying fractions, finding the GCF and LCM, and working with rational numbers throughout middle school math.