Factor Rainbows

          When finding the factors of a number we look for the numbers that can be multiplied together to create that number.  We have been using what I call a "Factor Rainbow" to keep our answers organized.  You can use skip counting or division to help you find your factors.

Creating a Factor Rainbow:

1. Start with the number (24) you are looking for times 1, (e.g. 1 x 24 in above example) and record the factors and connect with an arch/rainbow.

 2. Counting by ones go to the next number (2) and then skip count by that number to find out if you can arrive at the number you are looking for (24). If you do, record the two factors and connect with an arch/rainbow.

3. Counting by ones go to the next number (3) and repeat the steps.

4. You can stop checking when there are no more whole numbers between the factor arches. For example after I check five in the above example I can stop because there are no whole numbers between 5 and 6 and 6 is already on the rainbow. J

***You can also use division to help you.  Here’s how, use the standard algorithm.  If you have a remainder then that number is NOT a factor!!!