Find Factor Pairs and Their Partners

Supplied materials

• Paper and a pencil; drawing and spoken explanations are welcome. An adult may read directions and options aloud.
• Supplied worked-case record: For target 36, the factor pairs are 1×36,2×18,3×12,4×9,6×6.
• All quantities and shape descriptions are supplied in the worked example and questions; no purchase or personal information is needed.

Learn the idea

A factor divides a whole number with no remainder. Factor pairs organize all the rectangular groupings that make a target product. When one factor is known, divide the target by it to find its partner. Listing pairs systematically helps avoid omissions and duplicate reversed pairs.

Check the supplied factor by division and calculate its partner. Multiply the pair to verify the target. For a complete list, test factors in increasing order and stop when reversed pairs begin.

Multiply the proposed pair to check the target. A divisor leaving a remainder is not a whole-number factor. Draw or list rectangles labeled by their two factor dimensions.

1. Draw or list rectangles labeled by their two factor dimensions.
2. Follow the worked example. Point to each number or shape feature and say what it tells you.
3. Check the supplied factor by division and calculate its partner.
4. Try the question and then the three practice questions. Check your answers and explain any change you make.

Check your reasoning

Your answer is temporary and is not saved to an account. Download your current answer before leaving or reloading. Written work on paper or in another app stays in your own file.

Take it further

List factor pairs of 18. Expected: 1×18,2×9,3×6.

Nothing here is saved to an account or sent to a teacher. The answer download includes your current choice and any checked feedback. It does not include choices from the separate More practice section. Download that section separately.