115 LearnersLast updated on May 26th, 2025
Factors of -15
Factors are the numbers that divide any given number evenly without remainder. In daily life, we use factors for tasks like sharing items equally, arranging things, etc. In this topic, we will learn about the factors of -15, how they are used in real life, and the tips to learn them quickly.
What are the Factors of -15?
The numbers that divide -15 evenly are known as factors of -15.
A factor of -15 is a number that divides the number without a remainder.
The factors of -15 are 1, 3, 5, and 15.
Negative factors of -15: -1, -3, -5, and -15.
Prime factors of -15: 3 and 5.
Prime factorization of 15: 3 × 5.
The sum of factors of 15: 1 + 3 + 5 + 15 = 24
How to Find Factors of -15?
Factors can be found using different methods. Mentioned below are some commonly used methods:
- Finding factors using multiplication
- Finding factors using division method
- Prime factors and prime factorization
Finding Factors Using Multiplication
To find factors using multiplication, we need to identify the pairs of numbers that are multiplied to give -15. Identifying the numbers which are multiplied to get the number -15 is the multiplication method.
Step 1: Multiply -15 by 1, -15 × 1 = -15.
Step 2: Check for other numbers that give -15 after multiplying
3 × -5 = -15
-3 × 5 = -15
Therefore, the positive factor pairs of -15 are: (1, -15), (3, -5), and (-3, 5).
All these factor pairs result in -15. For every positive factor, there is a negative factor.
Finding Factors Using Division Method
Dividing the given numbers with the whole numbers until the remainder becomes zero and listing out the numbers which result as whole numbers as factors. Factors can be calculated by following a simple division method
Step 1: Divide -15 by 1, -15 ÷ 1 = -15.
Step 2: Continue dividing -15 by the numbers until the remainder becomes 0.
-15 ÷ 1 = -15
-15 ÷ 3 = -5
-15 ÷ 5 = -3
Therefore, the factors of -15 are: 1, 3, 5, 15.
Prime Factors and Prime Factorization
The factors can be found by dividing it with a prime number. We can find the prime factors using the following methods:
- Using prime factorization
- Using factor tree
Using Prime Factorization: In this process, prime factors of 15 divide the number to break it down in the multiplication form of prime factors till the remainder becomes 1.
15 ÷ 3 = 5
5 ÷ 5 = 1
The prime factors of 15 are 3 and 5.
The prime factorization of 15 is: 3 × 5.
Factor Tree
The factor tree is the graphical representation of breaking down any number into prime factors. The following step shows
Step 1: Firstly, 15 is divided by 3 to get 5.
Step 2: Now divide 5 by 5 to get 1. Here, 5 is the smallest prime number, that cannot be divided anymore.
So, the prime factorization of 15 is: 3 × 5.
Factor Pairs: Two numbers that are multiplied to give a specific number are called factor pairs. Both positive and negative factors constitute factor pairs.
Positive factor pairs of -15: (1, -15), (3, -5).
Negative factor pairs of -15: (-1, 15), (-3, 5).
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them in Factors of -15
Mistakes are common while finding factors. We can identify and correct those mistakes using the following common mistakes and the ways to avoid them.
Mistake 1
Forgetting the number itself and 1 is a factor
Children might forget to add the given number itself and 1 as a factor. The number itself and 1 are the factors for every number. Always remember to include 1 and the number itself.
For example, in factors of -15, 1 and -15 are also factors.
Mistake 2
Missing Negative Factors
We have used only to mention positive factors every time. There are also negative factors, always check whether you have mentioned negative factors.
For example, the factors of -15 consist of -1, -3, etc.
Mistake 3
Including the Fraction
Children might sometimes add fractions also as a factor. Only whole numbers can be a factor.
For example, thinking 1.5 as a factor, because -15/1.5 = -10, and it is not a whole number.
Mistake 4
Confusing Factors With Prime Numbers
Remember that factors can be any whole numbers, not only just primes.
For example, thinking all the factors of -15 are prime numbers. For example, 3 and 5 are the prime factors of 15, but it has other factors like 1, 15.
Mistake 5
Mistake in Factorization
Children might skip the steps in factorization and end up writing wrong factors.
For example, not breaking 15 as 3 × 5 and missing all the key factors.
Factors of -15 Examples
Problem 1
A company has 3 teams and -15 projects. How many projects will each team handle if distributed equally?
Each team will handle -5 projects.
Explanation
To distribute the projects equally, we need to divide the total projects by the number of teams.
-15/3 = -5
Problem 2
A library has -15 new books and 5 shelves. How many books will each shelf get if distributed equally?
Each shelf will have -3 books.
Explanation
To find the number of books per shelf, divide the total books by the number of shelves.
-15/5 = -3
Problem 3
A coach has 15 balls and 3 sports bags. How many balls will each bag contain if they are distributed equally?
Each bag will contain 5 balls.
Explanation
To find the balls in each bag, divide the total balls by the number of bags.
15/3 = 5
Problem 4
A baker has 15 kilograms of flour and 5 containers. How much flour will each container have if distributed equally?
Each container will have 3 kilograms of flour.
Explanation
To find the flour in each container, divide the total flour by the number of containers.
15/5 = 3
Problem 5
A gardener has -15 plants and 3 pots. How many plants will be in each pot if distributed equally?
Each pot will have -5 plants.
Explanation
Divide the total plants by the number of pots.
-15/3 = -5
FAQs on Factors of -15
1.What are the factors of -15?
2.Mention the prime factors of 15.
3.Is 15 a multiple of 3?
4.Mention the factor pairs of -15.
5.What is the square of 15?
6.How can children in United Arab Emirates use numbers in everyday life to understand Factors of -15?
7.What are some fun ways kids in United Arab Emirates can practice Factors of -15 with numbers?
8.What role do numbers and Factors of -15 play in helping children in United Arab Emirates develop problem-solving skills?
9.How can families in United Arab Emirates create number-rich environments to improve Factors of -15 skills?
Important Glossaries for Factors of -15
- Factors: The numbers that divide the given number without leaving a remainder are called factors. For example, the factors of -15 are 1, 3, 5, and 15.
- Prime factors: The factors which are prime numbers. For example, 3 and 5 are prime factors of 15.
- Factor pairs: Two numbers in a pair that are multiplied to give the original number are called factor pairs. For example, the factor pairs of -15 are (1, -15), (3, -5), etc.
- Negative factors: Factors that are negative numbers. For example, -1, -3, -5, and -15 are negative factors of -15.
- Prime factorization: The expression of a number as a product of its prime factors. For example, the prime factorization of 15 is 3 × 5.
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About BrightChamps in United Arab Emirates
Hiralee Lalitkumar Makwana
About the Author
Hiralee Lalitkumar Makwana has almost two years of teaching experience. She is a number ninja as she loves numbers. Her interest in numbers can be seen in the way she cracks math puzzles and hidden patterns.
Fun Fact
: She loves to read number jokes and games.
