Chapter 9 Factors and Multiples

The last two weeks have been packed with new math concepts and vocabulary . Each lesson has been a building block for the next lesson. Here's an overview of what students have been learning:

Common Factors - When comparing two or more numbers, list the factors for each number from smallest to greatest. Circle or select any factors that the numbers (in comparison) have in common.
    ex. 9 - 1, 3, 9
         24- 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 8, 12, 24
Common factors are: 1 and 3

Greatest Common Factor (G.C.F.) - Use the same idea for common factors. Instead, only one factor will be selected. This is the greatest factor the two numbers have in common.
When comparing 18 and 24:
    ex. 18 - 1, 2, 3, 6, 9, 18
         24 -  1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 8, 12, 24

In this case, 6 is the G.C.F.

Using the G.C.F. we can simplify fractions! Check out the picture for the step by step process. When we simplify a fraction we are making an equivalent fraction. The fraction is being broken down into smaller parts. Simplified fractions are easier to work with. Have you ever used these fractions? 1/2 , 1/4, 1/3, 1/5, etc.


MULTIPLES- Count up by the number you start with. If we're looking for multiples of 3, this is how you might list them:
3- 3, 6, 9, 12, 15, 18, 21, 24, 27, 30

Multiples can often times be mistaken for listing factors. Remember that factors are numbers that are multiplied by other numbers to get a product or numbers that can be divided evenly into a whole number. 


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