KS2 (Years 3–6) · Mathematics
Factors & Multiples
What is it
Factors are the numbers that divide exactly into another number, while multiples are the results of multiplying a number by whole numbers — for example, 3 and 4 are factors of 12, while 12, 24 and 36 are multiples of 12.
Why it matters
Factors and multiples are the building blocks behind simplifying fractions, finding common denominators, and later, algebraic factorising — skills a child will lean on constantly from Year 5 right through GCSE.
Exam tip
Learning times tables thoroughly is the single best shortcut here — spotting factors and multiples becomes almost automatic once the tables are second nature.
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