Factor List: A Handy Resource for Teaching Factors in Math Class

​Hi friends,

     How are you?  Today, I would like to share with you a math resource I find to be very useful in teaching things like multiplication, division, multiples, factors, prime numbers, and composite numbers.  It is a great reference for allowing students to explore and notice numerical values and associations.  

     It is wonderful when students can look at a reference sheet and notice the similarities and differences in numbers.  Students learn more when they can make their own discoveries and associations.  A factor list is a great way to encourage students to make those important discoveries and associations.

     I have created a “Factors List for Numbers 1-100”.  It allows you to see the factors of numbers from one to one hundred all on one page.  You can easily ask students questions to guide their discoveries in such skills as multiplication, division, multiples, factors, prime numbers, and composite numbers. For example, you can ask students, “Which numbers have five as a factor?”  You can ask students to notice the ending digit in each of those numbers.  They will notice the numbers that are multiples of five have an ending digit of either a five or a zero.  These observations will come in handy, especially in the more difficult numbers.

    Some people may not know that you can learn multiplication and division from a factors list.  However, it is true.  It may not be in the traditional way, but you can practice multiplication and division skills with a factors list.  Take this list of factors for the number 50 as an example.
 
 50- 1, 2, 5, 10, 25, 50
 
From this list of factors, you can practice the multiplication facts of 1x50=50, 2x25=50, and 5x10=50.  And, you can use the skill of fact families to create the other appropriate multiplication and division equations.

     The study of prime and composite numbers is easy with a factors list.  You can ask students to point out the numbers that have only two factors, which are the number one and the numbers themselves. You can tell students that these are prime numbers.  It may even be helpful to have students put a square around the prime numbers and a circle around the composite numbers for quick reference.

     Another teaching tip is that you can ask students to color code the numbers of a factors list to highlight various factors, ideas, or skills.  This can be done on one factors list or may be easier to use more than one for different observations and skills.

     I hope by now you see the usefulness of the “Factors List for Numbers 1-100”.  If you would like to purchase the list, you can get it here.  I am sure that you will be happy you did.
 
Now, it is your turn.
     If you have any feedback, ideas, suggestions or requests, please leave me a comment or contact me.  I would enjoy reading your thoughts.  Also, if you haven't already, you may want to consider signing up to receive educational content in your inbox.  Thank you.

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