Recognise Factor Pairs

Two whole numbers that multiply together to give a number are a factor pair of that given number.

 

2 and 6 are a factor pair of 12 because 2 × 6 = 12.

 

But 12 has other factor pairs too.

 

3 and 4 are a factor pair of 12 because 3 × 4 = 12.

1 and 12 are the simplest factor pair because 1 × 12 = 12.

 

This means that:

12 =

1 × 12  or 12 × 1

2 × 6  or 6 × 2

3 × 4  or 4 × 3

 

Example

Which of these is a factor pair of 64?

3 and 18 or 4 and 16.

Answer

3 × 18 = 54

4 × 16 = 64

 

So, 4 and 16 are a factor pair of 64.

All the other factor pairs of 64 are:

1 x 64 or 64 x 1

2 x 32 or 32 x 2

8 x 8

 

Let's have a go at spotting factor pairs in the questions that follow.