1. Steps to find factors of 6 using Division Method

Example: Find factors of 6

  • Divide 6 by 1: 6 ÷ 1 : Remainder = 0
  • Divide 6 by 2: 6 ÷ 2 : Remainder = 0
  • Divide 6 by 3: 6 ÷ 3 : Remainder = 0
  • Divide 6 by 6: 6 ÷ 6 : Remainder = 0

Hence, Factors of 6 are 1, 2, 3, and 6

2. Steps to find factors of 6 using Prime Factorization

A prime number is a number that has exactly two factors, 1 and the number itself. Prime factorization of a number means breaking down of the number into the form of products of its prime factors.

There are two different methods that can be used for the prime factorization.

Method 1: Division Method

To find the primefactors of 6 using the division method, follow these steps:

  • Step 1. Start dividing 6 by the smallest prime number, i.e., 2, 3, 5, and so on. Find the smallest prime factor of the number.
  • Step 2. After finding the smallest prime factor of the number 6, which is 2. Divide 6 by 2 to obtain the quotient (3).
    6 ÷ 2 = 3
  • Step 3. Repeat step 1 with the obtained quotient (3).
    3 ÷ 3 = 1

So, the prime factorization of 6 is, 6 = 2 x 3.

Method 2: Factor Tree Method

We can follow the same procedure using the factor tree of 6 as shown below:

So, the prime factorization of 6 is, 6 = 2 x 3.

3. Find factors of 6 in Pairs

Pair factors of a number are any two numbers which, which on multiplying together, give that number as a result. The pair factors of 6 would be the two numbers which, when multiplied, give 6 as the result.

The following table represents the calculation of factors of 6 in pairs:

Factor Pair Pair Factorization
1 and 6 1 x 6 = 6
2 and 3 2 x 3 = 6

Since the product of two negative numbers gives a positive number, the product of the negative values of both the numbers in a pair factor will also give 6. They are called negative pair factors.

Hence, the negative pairs of 6 would be ( -1 , -6 ) , ( -2 , -3 ) .

How can we define factors?

In mathematics a factor is a number which divides into another without leaving any remainder. Or we can say, any two numbers that multiply to give a product are both factors of that product. It can be both positive or negative.

Properties of factors

  • Each number is a factor of itself. Eg. 6 is a factor of itself.
  • Every number other than 1 has at least two factors, namely the number itself and 1.
  • Every factor of a number is an exact divisor of that number, example 1, 2, 3, 6 are exact divisors of 6.
  • 1 is a factor of every number. Eg. 1 is a factor of 6.
  • Every number is a factor of zero (0), since 6 x 0 = 0.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • How do you find factors of a negative number? ( eg. -6 )?

    Factors of -6 are -1, -2, -3, -6.

  • What is the sum of all factors of 6?

    The sum of all factors of 6 is 12.

  • What is prime factorization of 6?

    Prime factorization of 6 is 2 x 3.

  • What are the pair factors of 6?

    Pair factors of 6 are (1,6), (2,3).

  • What are six multiples of 6?

    First five multiples of 6 are 12, 18, 24, 30, 36, 42.

  • Is 6 a whole number?

    Yes 6 is a whole number.

  • Which is the smallest prime factor of 6?

    Smallest prime factor of 6 is 2.

  • What are five multiples of 6?

    First five multiples of 6 are 12, 18, 24, 30, 36.

  • Write all factors of 6?

    Factors of 6 are 1, 2, 3, 6.

Examples of Factors

Joey wants to write all the prime factors of 6 in exponential form, but he doesn't know how to do so can you assist him in this task?

Prime factors of 6 are 2, 3.
So in exponential form it can be written as 2 x 3.

How many factors are there for 6?

Factors of 6 are 1, 2, 3, 6.
So there are in total 4 factors.

Kevin has been asked to write 3 factor(s) of 6. Can you predict the answer?

3 factor(s) of 6 are 1, 2, 3.

Sammy is puzzled while calculating the prime factors of 6. Can you help him find them?

Factors of 6 are 1, 2, 3, 6.
Prime factors of 6 are 2, 3

What is prime factorization of 6?

Prime factorization of 6 is 2 x 3 = 2 x 3.

Ariel has been assigned the task to find the product of all the prime factors of 6. Can you help her?

Prime factors of 6 are 2, 3.
Hence, the product of prime factors of 6.

Can you help Rubel to find out the product of the even factors of 6?

Factors of 6 are 1, 2, 3, 6.
Even factors of 6 are 2, 6.
Hence, product of even factors of 6 is; 2 x 6 = 12.