The factors of a number are those numbers that divide the number evenly leaving a remainder of 0. For example, 6 can be divided by 1 and 2 with a remainder of 0, so 2 and 3 are the factors of 6. Generally, every even number has two negative and three positive factors. The factors of a number can be found using divisibility rules and division facts. The factors of a number can also be determined by performing factorization, which is the process of finding all the prime numbers that divide a number. The factors of a number can also include composite numbers, which are those numbers other than the number itself that divide the number evenly.
Tips for Factoring
The smaller the number, the fewer factors it will have. This means that it will take less time to find the factors of a small number than a larger one. Generally, it is easiest to start with the prime factors. This is because prime numbers are the only numbers that can divide a number evenly without a remainder. Then, the remaining numbers can be checked to see if they are factors of the number.
To find the factors of a number, start by checking for common factors. A common factor is a number that divides the number being tested evenly into itself. For example, 6 and 18 have a common factor of 2. Once you have found the common factors, you can begin to find the prime factors.