BrightChamps Logo
Hamburger Menu Icon for BrightChamps Website Navigation
Login
Creative Math Ideas Image
Live Math Learners Count Icon212 Learners

Last updated on May 26th, 2025

Math Whiteboard Illustration

Factors Of 42

Professor Greenline Explaining Math Concepts

A number that divides another number exactly without leaving any remainder is called a factor of the given number. Factors play an important role in mathematics and real-life situations. They are useful in deciding the best time to schedule work shifts and events.

Factors Of 42 for UK Students
Professor Greenline from BrightChamps

What are the Factors of 42

 Factors almost often come in pairs. There are several methods to figure them out, which you'll be learning in the following section. The factors of 42 are 1, 2, 3, 6, 7, 14, 21, and 42.
 

Professor Greenline from BrightChamps

How To Find The Factors of 42?

For finding factors, kids can use different methods for easier calculations. A few commonly used methods are as follows:

 

  • Use of Multiplication Method
  • Use of Division Method
  • Use of Prime Factors and Prime Factorization

 

So, here we discuss a detailed explanation of the following methods:
 

Professor Greenline from BrightChamps

Finding Factors Using Multiplication Method

In the multiplication method, we will try to find out the numbers that multiply together to give the value, 42, We will check the factors step by step:


Step 1: Start to multiply with numbers, which gives the value of 42.


Start with 1, and continue to multiply with other numbers. 


1 ×  42  = 42
2 ×  21  = 42
3 ×  14  = 42
6 ×  7   = 42


Step 2: After the calculation, we get to these numbers, the factors of 42.


Step 3: The positive factor pairs of 42 found through multiplication are (1, 42), (2, 21), (3, 14), and (6, 7)


Step 4: The negative factor pairs of 274 are (-1, -42), (-2, -21), (-3, -14), and (-6, -7)
 

Professor Greenline from BrightChamps

Finding Factors Using Division Method

Using this method we will break down the given number till our remainder is zero. Let us go through the step-by-step process to find the factors of 42:


Step 1: Divide 42 by smaller numbers and see if there is any remainder. E.g., 42/1 = 42. 


Step 2: We will continue in the same way and check for other numbers as well. For 42, the factors are 1, 2, 3, 6, 7, 14, 21, and 42. Because 42 can be divided evenly by these numbers.
 

Professor Greenline from BrightChamps

Prime Factors and Prime Factorization

In the prime factorization method, we break down a number into its prime factor. The prime factors of 42 are 2, 3, and 7. The prime factors can be found using the methods given below:


2 is the smallest prime number, so start dividing with two. And then continue to divide with other prime numbers.


42 ÷ 2 =21
21 ÷ 3 = 7
7 ÷ 7 = 1


 The prime factorization of 42 is :


 42= 21 × 31 × 71


With prime factorization, 42 can be broken down into prime factors, 2, 3, and 7.
 

Professor Greenline from BrightChamps

Factor Tree:

A factor tree is a graphical representation of breaking a composite number into its prime factors. It is an easy method to find out the factors of any number.


Step 1: 42 divided by 2 gives us the quotient 21.


Step 2: Since 21 is not a prime number, it can be divided further.


42 ÷ 2 =21
21 ÷ 3 = 7
7 ÷ 7 = 1


 The prime factorization of 42 is: 42 = 21 × 31 × 71.
 

Professor Greenline from BrightChamps

Factor Pairs

Every number has both positive and negative factors. Let us look at those sets of factors.


Positive pair Factors: (1, 42), (2, 21), (3, 14), and (6, 7)
Negative pair Factors:  (-1, -42), (-2, -21), (-3, -14), and (-6, -7)
 

Max Pointing Out Common Math Mistakes

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them in Factors Of 42

Children tend to make mistakes while finding the factors of a number. Let us look at how to avoid those mistakes.
 

Mistake 1

Red Cross Icon Indicating Mistakes to Avoid in This Math Topic

Confusing Factors with Multiples
 

Green Checkmark Icon Indicating Correct Solutions in This Math Topic

The factors of a number can divide the given number without any remainder, whereas multiples are the products of multiplying the number by an integer.  For example, the factors of 12 are 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, and 12. And the multiples are 12, 24, and 36, etc… To avoid this confusion, always understand the concept separately. 
 

Max from BrightChamps Saying "Hey"

Factors Of 42 Examples

Ray, the Character from BrightChamps Explaining Math Concepts
Max, the Girl Character from BrightChamps

Problem 1

A teacher plans to divide 42 students into groups with an equal number of students. If 3 students have each group, how many groups can be formed?

Ray, the Boy Character from BrightChamps Saying "Let’s Begin"

 The total number of groups is 14.
 

Explanation

Yes, the teacher formed 14 groups. The calculation of group formation is to divide the total number of students, by the number of students per group.
42 / 3 =14
 

Max from BrightChamps Praising Clear Math Explanations
Max, the Girl Character from BrightChamps

Problem 2

What is the GCF of 42 and 24?

Ray, the Boy Character from BrightChamps Saying "Let’s Begin"

 Factors of 24 = 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 8, 12


Factors of 42 = 1, 2, 3, 6, 7, 14, 21, 42


Common factors: 1, 2, 3, 6


GCF = 6
 

Explanation

GCF of 24 and 42 is 6. which is the highest common factor of both lists. 

Max from BrightChamps Praising Clear Math Explanations
Max, the Girl Character from BrightChamps

Problem 3

A packet containing 42 candies. How to divide them among 7 children equally?

Ray, the Boy Character from BrightChamps Saying "Let’s Begin"

 Yes, each one will get 2 candies.
 

Explanation

Yes, it can be possible,42 candies can be shared equally with 7 children. Each child will get 2 candies, and nothing will be left.
 

Max from BrightChamps Praising Clear Math Explanations
Max, the Girl Character from BrightChamps

Problem 4

Charlie, have a rope. The length of that rope will be 42 cm, when you cut this into equal parts of 2 cm each, calculate how many pieces are there

Ray, the Boy Character from BrightChamps Saying "Let’s Begin"

21 pieces.
 

Explanation

The total length of the rope is 42 cm. If we cut it into 2 cm pieces, we divide 42 by 2. The answer will be 21.
 

Max from BrightChamps Praising Clear Math Explanations
Ray Thinking Deeply About Math Problems

FAQs on Factors Of 42

1.What is the highest factor of 42?

Math FAQ Answers Dropdown Arrow

2.The highest prime factor of 42?

Math FAQ Answers Dropdown Arrow

3.How is the prime factorization of 42 expressed?

Math FAQ Answers Dropdown Arrow

4.What is the GCF of 42 and 56?

Math FAQ Answers Dropdown Arrow

5.Can 42 be evenly divided by 3?

Math FAQ Answers Dropdown Arrow

6.How can children in United Kingdom use numbers in everyday life to understand Factors Of 42?

Math FAQ Answers Dropdown Arrow

7.What are some fun ways kids in United Kingdom can practice Factors Of 42 with numbers?

Math FAQ Answers Dropdown Arrow

8.What role do numbers and Factors Of 42 play in helping children in United Kingdom develop problem-solving skills?

Math FAQ Answers Dropdown Arrow

9.How can families in United Kingdom create number-rich environments to improve Factors Of 42 skills?

Math FAQ Answers Dropdown Arrow
Professor Greenline from BrightChamps

Important Glossaries For Factors Of 42

  • Factors: Factors are numbers that divide a given number exactly, without any remainder. For example, 6 is divisible by 1, 2, 3, and 6. Therefore, 1, 2, 3, and 6 are the factors of 6.

 

  • Prime Factors: Prime factors of the numbers that multiply together to give a certain product. For 42 the prime factors are 2, 3, and 7.

 

  • Multiples: We get multiples when we multiply a number by another number. Let’s take some multiples of 2 (2, 4, 6, and so on).
     
Professor Greenline from BrightChamps

About BrightChamps in United Kingdom

At BrightChamps, numbers are more than just figures—they open doors to endless opportunities! Our mission is to help children across the United Kingdom gain essential math skills, focusing today on Factors Of 42 with special attention to understanding factors—in an engaging, enjoyable, and easy-to-follow way. Whether your child is working out the speed of a roller coaster at Alton Towers, keeping score at a local football match, or managing pocket money to buy the latest gadgets, strong number skills give them confidence in daily life. Our interactive lessons make learning simple and fun. Because children in the UK have varied learning styles, we tailor our approach to suit each learner. From London’s busy streets to Cornwall’s beautiful coasts, BrightChamps brings math to life, making it relatable and exciting throughout the UK. Let’s make factors an enjoyable part of every child’s math journey!
Math Teacher Background Image
Math Teacher Image

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.

Math Teacher Fun Facts Image
Max, the Girl Character from BrightChamps

Fun Fact

: She loves to read number jokes and games.

INDONESIA - Axa Tower 45th floor, JL prof. Dr Satrio Kav. 18, Kel. Karet Kuningan, Kec. Setiabudi, Kota Adm. Jakarta Selatan, Prov. DKI Jakarta
INDIA - H.No. 8-2-699/1, SyNo. 346, Rd No. 12, Banjara Hills, Hyderabad, Telangana - 500034
SINGAPORE - 60 Paya Lebar Road #05-16, Paya Lebar Square, Singapore (409051)
USA - 251, Little Falls Drive, Wilmington, Delaware 19808
VIETNAM (Office 1) - Hung Vuong Building, 670 Ba Thang Hai, ward 14, district 10, Ho Chi Minh City
VIETNAM (Office 2) - 143 Nguyễn Thị Thập, Khu đô thị Him Lam, Quận 7, Thành phố Hồ Chí Minh 700000, Vietnam
Dubai - BrightChamps, 8W building 5th Floor, DAFZ, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
UK - Ground floor, Redwood House, Brotherswood Court, Almondsbury Business Park, Bristol, BS32 4QW, United Kingdom