Common factorsFactor pairs

A factor is a number that divides into another number exactly. A common factor is a number that two numbers can both divide into exactly. The highest common factor is the largest number that divide into two numbers exactly.

Part ofMathsMultiples, factors and primes

Factor pairs

Factors are often given as pairs of numbers, which multiply together to give the original number. These are called factor pairs.

For example, the factor pairs of \({12}\) are:

  • \({1}\) and \({12}\)
  • \({2}\) and \({6}\)
  • \({3}\) and \({4}\)

The factor pairs of \({16}\) are:

  • \({1}\) and \({16}\)
  • \({2}\) and \({8}\)
  • \({4}\) and \({4}\)

We can state that the square root of \({16}\) is \({4}\). This is written as \(\sqrt{16}={4}\).

Question

List the factor pairs of \({20}\).

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