336 LearnersLast updated on May 26th, 2025
Factors of 6
Factors of any number are the whole numbers that can divide the number completely. Why are factors important to learn? For mathematical approaches, factors are used in organizing and bringing more efficiency to any task. In this article, let's learn how to solve factors of 6 easily.
What are the Factors of 6?
Factors of 6 are those numbers that can divide 6 perfectly. The factors of 6 are:
1,2,3, and 6.
Negative factors of 6: -1, -2, -3 -6
Prime factors of 6: 2,3
Prime factorization of 6: 3×2
The sum of factors of 6: 1+2+3+6=12
How to Find the Factors of 6
For finding factors of 6, we will be learning these below-mentioned methods:
- Multiplication Method
- Division Method
- Prime Factor and Prime Factorization
- Factor Tree
Finding Factors using Multiplication Methods
This particular method often finds the pair of factors which, on multiplication together, produces 6. Let us find the pairs which, on multiplication, yields 6.
1×6=6
2×3=6
From this, we conclude that, factors of 6 are:1,2,3, and 6.
Finding Factors using Division Method
The division method finds the numbers that evenly divides the given number 6. To find the factors of 6, we have to divide 6 by all possible natural numbers less than 6 and check.
1,2,3,6 are the only factors that the number 6 has. So to verify the factors of 6 using the division method, we just need to divide 6 by each factor.
6/1 =6
6/2 =3
6/3=2
6/6=1
Prime Factors and Prime Factorization
Prime Factorization is the easiest process to find prime factors. It decomposes 6 into a product of its prime integers.
Prime Factors of 6: 2,3.
Prime Factorization of 6: 3×2
Factor tree
The number 6 is written on top and two branches are extended.
Fill in those branches with a factor pair of the number above, i.e., 6.
Continue this process until each branch ends with a prime factor (number).
The first two branches of the factor tree of 6 are 2 and 3.
Factor Pairs
Positive pair factors: (1,6), (2,3)
Negative pair factors: (-1,-6), (-2,-3)
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them in Factors of 6
Children quite often make silly mistakes while solving factors. Let us see what are the common errors to occur and how to avoid them.
Mistake 1
Misconception and confusion about factors with that of multiples.
Factors are way different from multiples. You need to understand it clearly that factors are integers which divide a given number evenly, and multiples are the products we get when the original number is multiplied with different numbers.
Factors of 6 Examples
Problem 1
A man has 6 shirts and 18 ties. He wants to divide them equally among some poor people. What is the maximum number of people he can distribute?
Number of shirts: 6
Number of ties: 18
Factors of 6: 1,2,3,6
Factors of 18: 1,2,3,6,9,18
Common factors of 6 and 18: 1,2,3,6.
Greatest common factor of 6 and 18: 6
So, there will be 6 people for distribution.
Answer: 6 people
Explanation
To divide equally, the maximum number of people can be found through the Greatest Common Factor. Here, we found the GCF, which is the answer.
Problem 2
Two airplanes leave the airport at the same time. One leaves every 6 hours and the other every 12 hours. When will they leave together again?
Time-lapse of the 1st airplane: 6 hours
Time-lapse of the 2nd airplane: 12 hours
Prime factorization of 6: 2×3
Prime factorization of 12: 22×3
LCM of 6 and 12: 22×3 = 12.
Both the airplanes will meet each other after 12 hours.
Answer: 12 hours
Explanation
To find the time again when two airplanes will meet, we have to find the LCM of the two given time-lapses. So, did prime factorization of both 6 and 12. The LCM is the product of the highest power of each factor.
Problem 3
Find the GCF of 6 and 4
Factors of 6: 1,2,3,6
Factors of 4 : 1,2,4
Common factors of 6 and 4: 1,2
So, the Greatest Common Factor of 6 and 4 is 2.
Answer: 2
Explanation
We first listed out the factors of 6 and 4 and then found the common factors and then identified the greatest common factor from the common list.
Problem 4
Find the smallest number that is divisible by 2,6,18 and 27.
Prime factorization of 2: 2×1.
Prime factorization of 6: 3×2
Prime factorization of 18: 32×2
Prime factorization of 27: 33
LCM of 2,6,18 and 27: 2×33 = 54
Answer: 54 is the smallest number which is divisible by 2,6,18,27.
Explanation
To find the smallest number which is divisible by 2,6,18,27, we need to find the LCM of these numbers.
Problem 5
Find the LCM of 6 and 5
Prime factorization of 6: 2×3.
Prime factorization of 5: 5×1
LCM of 6 and 5: 3×2×5 = 30.
Answer: 30
Explanation
Did prime factorization of both 6 and 5. The LCM is the product of the highest power of each factor.
FAQs on Factors of 6
1.Is 6 a factor of 18?
2.What is the factor of negative 6?
3.Is 12 a factor of 6?
4.Is 24 a multiple of 6?
5. Is 6 a factor of 100?
6.How can children in Australia use numbers in everyday life to understand Factors of 6?
7.What are some fun ways kids in Australia can practice Factors of 6 with numbers?
8.What role do numbers and Factors of 6 play in helping children in Australia develop problem-solving skills?
9.How can families in Australia create number-rich environments to improve Factors of 6 skills?
Important Glossaries for Factors of 6
- Ratio - Ratio of two numbers compares between them, how many times one number contains the other number. It is expressed as m:n, where m and n are two positive numbers whose ratio is to be shown.
- Factors - These are numbers that divide the given number without leaving any remainder or the remainder as 0.
- Prime Factorization - It involves factoring the number into its prime factors.
- Prime factors - These are the prime numbers which on multiplication together results into the original number whose prime factors are to be obtained.
- Composite numbers - These are numbers having more than two factors.
- Multiple - It is a product of the given number and any other integer.
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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.
