116 LearnersLast updated on May 26th, 2025
Factors of -2
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 -2, how they are used in real life, and the tips to learn them quickly.
What are the Factors of -2?
The numbers that divide -2 evenly are known as factors of -2. A factor of -2 is a number that divides the number without remainder. The factors of -2 are -1, 1, -2, and 2. Negative factors of -2: -1 and -2. Prime factors of -2: -1 and 2. Prime factorization of -2: -1 × 2. The sum of factors of -2: -1 + 1 - 2 + 2 = 0
How to Find Factors of -2?
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 -2. Identifying the numbers which are multiplied to get the number -2 is the multiplication method. Step 1: Multiply -2 by 1, -2 × 1 = -2. Step 2: Check for other numbers that give -2 after multiplying -1 × 2 = -2 Therefore, the factor pairs of -2 are: (-1, 2) and (1, -2). For every positive factor, there is a negative factor.
Finding Factors Using Division Method
Dividing the given number with 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 -2 by -1, -2 ÷ -1 = 2. Step 2: Continue dividing -2 by the numbers until the remainder becomes 0. -2 ÷ 1 = -2 -2 ÷ -1 = 2 Therefore, the factors of -2 are: -1, 1, -2, 2.
Prime Factors and Prime Factorization
The factors can be found by dividing with prime numbers. 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 -2 divide the number to break it down in the multiplication form of prime factors till the remainder becomes 1. -2 ÷ -1 = 2 2 ÷ 2 = 1 The prime factors of -2 are -1 and 2. The prime factorization of -2 is: -1 × 2.
Factor Tree
The factor tree is the graphical representation of breaking down any number into prime factors. The following step shows - Step 1: Firstly, -2 is divided by -1 to get 2. Step 2: Now divide 2 by 2 to get 1. Here, 2 is the smallest prime number that cannot be divided anymore. So, the prime factorization of -2 is: -1 × 2. Factor Pairs Two numbers that are multiplied to give a specific number are called factor pairs. Both positive and negative factors constitute factor pairs. Factor pairs of -2: (-1, 2) and (1, -2).
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them in Factors of -2
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 -2, -1 and -2 are also factors.
Mistake 2
Missing Positive Factors
We often focus only on the negative factors. There are also positive factors, always check whether you have mentioned positive factors. For example, The factors of -2 include 1 and 2.
Mistake 3
Including Fractions
Children might sometimes add fractions as factors. Only whole numbers can be factors. For example, thinking 1.5 as a factor, because -2/1.5 = -1.333, and it is not a whole number.
Mistake 4
Confusing Factors With Multiples
Remember that factors are numbers that divide the given number without remainder, not multiples. For example, thinking all multiples of -2 are factors.
Mistake 5
Mistake in Factorization
Children might skip steps in factorization and end up writing wrong factors. For example, not breaking -2 into -1 × 2 and missing all the key factors.
Factors of -2 Examples
Problem 1
There are 2 teams and -2 points. How will they distribute the points equally?
Each team will get -1 point.
Explanation
To distribute the points equally, we need to divide the total points by the number of teams. -2/2 = -1
Problem 2
A machine removes 2 units from a stockpile that starts at 0. After 1 operation, what is the stockpile count?
The stockpile is at -2 units.
Explanation
The machine operation reduces the stockpile by 2 units. 0 - 2 = -2
Problem 3
There are 4 baskets and -2 apples. How many apples will be in each basket to balance the count?
Each basket will have -0.5 apples, but since fractions aren't valid for factors, adjustment is needed.
Explanation
The division of apples doesn't yield a whole number, indicating an imbalance. -2/4 = -0.5
Problem 4
A student scored -2 in a test with 2 sections. What's the average score per section?
The average score per section is -1.
Explanation
Dividing the total score by the number of sections gives the average score. -2/2 = -1
Problem 5
A debt of -2 dollars is to be split between 2 friends. How much does each owe?
Each friend owes -1 dollar.
Explanation
Dividing the total debt by the number of friends gives the amount each owes. -2/2 = -1
FAQs on Factors of -2
1.What are the factors of -2?
2.Mention the prime factors of -2.
3.Is -2 a multiple of 1?
4.Mention the factor pairs of -2?
5.What is the square of -2?
6.How can children in Canada use numbers in everyday life to understand Factors of -2?
7.What are some fun ways kids in Canada can practice Factors of -2 with numbers?
8.What role do numbers and Factors of -2 play in helping children in Canada develop problem-solving skills?
9.How can families in Canada create number-rich environments to improve Factors of -2 skills?
Important Glossaries for Factors of -2
Factors: The numbers that divide the given number without leaving a remainder are called factors. For example, the factors of -2 are -1, 1, -2, and 2. Prime factors: The factors which are prime numbers. For example, -1 and 2 are prime factors of -2. 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 -2 are (-1, 2) and (1, -2). Negative numbers: Numbers less than zero are called negative numbers. For example, -1 and -2 are negative numbers. Prime number: A number greater than 1 that has no positive divisors other than 1 and itself. For example, 2 is a prime number.
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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
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