What is a factor?
You share 12 idlis. 3 for each of 4 friends. Nothing is left over.
Step 1 of 5
- 12 dots in one row: 1 × 12.
- Regroup into 2 rows of 6: 2 × 6.
- Regroup into 3 rows of 4: 3 × 4.
- Factors of 12: 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 12.
- 7 fits only one row. Factors of 7: 1, 7.
The rule
A factor divides a number exactly, with nothing left over. 4 is a factor of 12: 12 ÷ 4 = 3. 5 is not: 12 ÷ 5 leaves 2 over.
Every number is a factor of itself. 1 is a factor of every number too. Check with 12: 12 ÷ 12 = 1 and 12 ÷ 1 = 12.
Slide the number in the lab. See all its factors.
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