What is the difference between a factor and a multiple?

A factor divides a number exactly with nothing left over, so it is usually smaller than or equal to the number (the factors of 12 are 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 12). A multiple is what you reach by skip-counting in that number, so it is equal to or larger than it (multiples of 12 are 12, 24, 36...).

What are factor pairs?

A factor pair is two factors that multiply together to give the number. For 12 the factor pairs are 1×12, 2×6 and 3×4. Listing factor pairs is a tidy way to make sure you have found every factor.

Is 1 a factor of every number?

Yes. The number 1 divides every whole number exactly, so 1 is a factor of every number. Each number is also a factor of itself, which is why 1 and the number itself always appear in its factor list.

How do you find all the factors of a number?

Test which whole numbers divide it with no remainder, working in pairs from 1 upwards. For 12: 1×12, 2×6, 3×4 — once the pairs start to repeat you have them all, giving 1, 2, 3, 4, 6 and 12.

When do Singapore primary pupils learn factors and multiples?

Factors and multiples are introduced in Primary 4 under the MOE maths syllabus and are used again in Primary 5 and 6 for fractions, ratio and problem solving.

Factors and Multiples Explained

Math Interactive lesson Free to play

Factors and multiples are two linked ideas in number work. A multiple of a number is any value you reach by skip-counting from it, so the multiples of 5 are 5, 10, 15, 20 and so on. A factor of a number is a whole number that divides it exactly, leaving no remainder — the factors of 12 are 1, 2, 3, 4, 6 and 12. Every number is a multiple of each of its factors, which is why the two ideas always travel together.

They matter because they sit underneath much of later primary maths: equivalent fractions, simplifying, common denominators, and finding the highest common factor or lowest common multiple all rely on them. They also show up in everyday sharing — splitting 12 cookies into equal groups only works for group sizes that are factors of 12.

Key ideas a learner will grasp: skip counting builds multiples; dividing with no leftover reveals factors; factors come in pairs that multiply to the target number (1×12, 2×6, 3×4); and small numbers that divide a number are factors, while larger numbers reached by counting in that number are multiples.

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Welcome!

MATHS ADVENTURE 🔢✨ Factors & Multiples Two best-friend words in maths. By the end you'll spot them everywhere — in skip counting, sharing snacks, and building number rectangles! Quick promise: a factor divides a number evenly, and a multiple is what you get when you skip-count. Let's see it for real. Tap Next to begin! 👉
Multiples = skip counting

IDEA 1 Multiples are skip-counting steps A multiple of 5 is any number you land on when you count in 5s: 5, 10, 15, 20… Each hop is one jump of 5. Tap each hop in order to count in 5s 🐸 Tap the first circle to start hopping. Counting in 5s? Every number you reach is a multiple of 5. Easy!
Find the multiples

PLAY Colour every multiple of 4 Tap all the numbers you would say when counting in 4s. Find them all to win! 🎯 Found 0 of 7 multiples of 4. Hint: start at 4, then keep adding 4 each time.
Factors = equal groups

IDEA 2 Factors share things equally A factor of a number divides it into equal groups with nothing left over. Here are 12 cookies shared perfectly: 3 groups of 4 = 12. So 3 and 4 are both factors of 12. ✅ If it shares out evenly with no leftovers, it's a factor. If something is left over, it's not.
Spot the factors

PLAY Which numbers are factors of 12? Tap a number to test it. If 12 splits evenly, it lights up green. If there's a leftover, it turns red — then just try another! 🌈 Found 0 of 6 factors of 12. Factors of 12 are hiding among 1 to 12. Can you catch all six?
Factor pairs

BUILD Factors come in pairs Factors love to hold hands! Two factors that multiply to make 12 are a factor pair. Tap each card to reveal its partner. 🤝 Revealed 0 of 3 factor pairs. 1×12, 2×6, 3×4 — every pair makes a neat dot-rectangle of 12.
Factor or multiple?

CHALLENGE Factor of 12, or multiple of 12? Tricky bit: small numbers that divide 12 are factors. Bigger numbers you reach by counting in 12s are multiples. Sort each one! Factorfits inside 12 Multiple12 fits inside it Sort all 6 numbers to finish the challenge.
You did it!

🏅🎉 Brilliant work, maths star! FactorDivides a number into equal groups, no leftovers. Factors of 12: 1,2,3,4,6,12 MultipleWhat you reach by skip-counting. Multiples of 12: 12,24,36,48… Remember: small & inside = factor. Big & counted = multiple. 🌟 Try "Start again" to beat your time, or pick a new number and test yourself!

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between a factor and a multiple?: A factor divides a number exactly with nothing left over, so it is usually smaller than or equal to the number (the factors of 12 are 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 12). A multiple is what you reach by skip-counting in that number, so it is equal to or larger than it (multiples of 12 are 12, 24, 36...).
What are factor pairs?: A factor pair is two factors that multiply together to give the number. For 12 the factor pairs are 1×12, 2×6 and 3×4. Listing factor pairs is a tidy way to make sure you have found every factor.
Is 1 a factor of every number?: Yes. The number 1 divides every whole number exactly, so 1 is a factor of every number. Each number is also a factor of itself, which is why 1 and the number itself always appear in its factor list.
How do you find all the factors of a number?: Test which whole numbers divide it with no remainder, working in pairs from 1 upwards. For 12: 1×12, 2×6, 3×4 — once the pairs start to repeat you have them all, giving 1, 2, 3, 4, 6 and 12.
When do Singapore primary pupils learn factors and multiples?: Factors and multiples are introduced in Primary 4 under the MOE maths syllabus and are used again in Primary 5 and 6 for fractions, ratio and problem solving.

Factors and Multiples Explained

What this Spark covers

Frequently asked questions

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