Multiple: A number that can be divided evenly by another number. Multiples of 5 are: 5×1, 5×2, 5×3, etc.
- Multiply the base number by 1, 2, 3, 4...
- List the results in order
- Check that each result is divisible by the base number
5 × 1 = 5
5 × 2 = 10
5 × 3 = 15
5 × 4 = 20
Pattern: Multiples of 5 always end in 0 or 5!
5, 10, 15, 20
• Multiplication: Base number × whole number = multiple
• Pattern: Each multiple is the previous + base number
• Division: Every multiple ÷ base number = whole number
Factor: A number that divides another number evenly without remainder.
1 × 12 = 12
2 × 6 = 12
3 × 4 = 12
Factors of 12: 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 12
12 ÷ 1 = 12 ✓
12 ÷ 2 = 6 ✓
12 ÷ 3 = 4 ✓
12 ÷ 4 = 3 ✓
12 ÷ 6 = 2 ✓
12 ÷ 12 = 1 ✓
Pattern: Factors come in pairs that multiply to the original number!
1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 12
• Factor pairs: Numbers that multiply to give the original number
• Division test: Factor ÷ original = whole number
• Completeness: All factors come in pairs
Common Multiple: A number that is a multiple of two or more numbers.
4, 8, 12, 16, 20, 24, 28, 32, 36...
6, 12, 18, 24, 30, 36...
Compare lists: 12 appears in both
Next: 24 appears in both
Then: 36 appears in both
12 ÷ 4 = 3 ✓ and 12 ÷ 6 = 2 ✓
24 ÷ 4 = 6 ✓ and 24 ÷ 6 = 4 ✓
36 ÷ 4 = 9 ✓ and 36 ÷ 6 = 6 ✓
Pattern: The first common multiple is the Least Common Multiple (LCM)!
12, 24, 36
• Listing method: Write multiples of each number
• Comparison: Find numbers appearing in both lists
• Verification: Check divisibility by both numbers
Pattern: A consistent rule that governs how multiples behave.
7 × 1 = 7
7 × 2 = 14
7 × 3 = 21
7 × 4 = 28
7 × 5 = 35
Each multiple is 7 more than the previous
Pattern: Each multiple increases by 7 from the previous one!
7, 14, 21, 28, 35
• Pattern recognition: Multiples increase by the base number
• Multiplication: Base number × whole number = multiple
• Consistency: Pattern holds for all multiples
Prime Factor: A factor that is also a prime number (has exactly 2 factors).
Find two factors: 24 = 4 × 6
4 = 2 × 2
2 is prime
6 = 2 × 3
2 and 3 are prime
From the bottom: 2, 2, 2, 3
Check: 2 × 2 × 2 × 3 = 24 ✓
Pattern: Every number has a unique prime factorization!
2, 2, 2, 3 (or 2³ × 3)
• Systematic approach: Break down composite numbers step by step
• Prime identification: Stop when all factors are prime
• Verification: Multiply all prime factors to confirm
Real-world application: Using multiples to solve practical problems involving grouping and packaging.
12, 24, 36, 48, 60, 72...
48 < 50 (too small)
60 ≥ 50 (this works!)
60 ÷ 12 = 5 cartons
5 × 12 = 60 eggs (≥ 50 ✓)
4 × 12 = 48 eggs (< 50 ✗)
Pattern: Real-world problems often involve finding the smallest multiple ≥ a target!
5 cartons (60 eggs)
• Problem solving: Translate words to mathematical operations
• Minimum requirement: Find smallest multiple ≥ target
• Practical application: Connect math to real situations
Multiple: A number that can be divided by another number without remainder
Factor: A number that divides another number evenly
Common Multiple: A number that is a multiple of two or more numbers
Prime Factor: A factor that is also a prime number
- Read carefully: Understand what the question is asking
- Identify the concept: Determine if it's about factors, multiples, or patterns
- Apply the method: Use the appropriate technique for the problem type
- Check your work: Verify your answers before moving on
- Manage time: Don't spend too long on any single question
• Every number is a multiple of 1
• Every number is a multiple of itself
• 0 is a multiple of every number
• Every number has at least 2 factors: 1 and itself
• Prime numbers have exactly 2 factors