Number

Factor

A number that divides another exactly, with no remainder.

Definition

The factors of 12 are 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 12 — every number that 12 is divisible by. "Factorising" a polynomial uses the same idea: writing the polynomial as a product of simpler factors.

Example

Factors of 18: 1, 2, 3, 6, 9, 18.

Used in these topics

Prime factorisation, HCF and LCM →Factorising expressions →

Related terms

Multiple

A number found by multiplying another by an integer. Multiples of 5: 5, 10, 15, 20, ...

Prime number

A whole number greater than 1 whose only factors are 1 and itself.

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