A factor of a number is an integer that can be multiplied by another integer to produce the original number. In other words, if you can divide a number by another number without leaving a remainder, then the second number is a factor of the first.
For example, let’s take the number 12. The factors of 12 are 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, and 12. This is because:
- 1 x 12 = 12
- 2 x 6 = 12
- 3 x 4 = 12
In this case, you can see that each of these pairs of numbers multiply together to give you 12, which makes them factors. Understanding factors is important in various areas of mathematics, including algebra and number theory, as they play a crucial role in simplifying fractions, finding greatest common divisors, and even solving equations.