Class 5 Mathematics
Chapter: Factors and Multiples
Comprehensive Notes with Theory, Examples, Tricks & Practice
Questions
Introduction to Factors and Multiples
In this chapter, we will learn about factors, multiples, prime numbers, composite
numbers, HCF, LCM, and divisibility rules. These concepts form the foundation of
arithmetic and are very important for higher classes.
What are Factors?
A factor of a number is a number that divides the given number exactly without
leaving any remainder.
Example:
12 ÷ 3 = 4 (remainder 0), so 3 is a factor of 12.
12 ÷ 5 = 2 (remainder 2), so 5 is NOT a factor of 12.
What are Multiples?
A multiple of a number is obtained by multiplying that number by any natural
number.
Example: Multiples of 3 → 3, 6, 9, 12, 15, 18...
Why should we learn Factors and Multiples? Factors help us divide things equally, and
multiples help us find common events like timings or groupings.
Difference between Factors and Multiples
Factors Multiples
They divide the number exactly. They are obtained by multiplying the
number.
Limited in number. Infinite in number.
Less than or equal to the number. Greater than or equal to the number.
Example:
Factors of 12 → 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 12
Multiples of 12 → 12, 24, 36, 48
Properties of Factors and Multiples
Properties of Factors
1. Every number has at least two factors: 1 and the number itself.
2. Factors are finite for any given number.
3. 1 is a factor of every number.
4. Every number is a factor of itself.
5. A factor is always less than or equal to the number.
Properties of Multiples
1. Every number is a multiple of itself.
2. Multiples are infinite.
3. Zero is a multiple of every number.
4. A multiple is always greater than or equal to the number.
Types of Numbers
Prime Numbers: Numbers having only two factors: 1 and itself. Examples: 2, 3, 5, 7,
11, 13.
Composite Numbers: Numbers having more than two factors. Examples: 4, 6, 8, 9.
Twin Primes: Two prime numbers differing by 2. Example: (11, 13).
Co-Prime Numbers: Two numbers having only 1 as common factor. Example: (4, 9).
Prime Factorization & Factor Tree Method
Prime Factorization means writing a number as a product of prime numbers.
Example: 36 = 2 × 2 × 3 × 3 = 2² × 3².
Factor Tree:
36
/ \
2 18
/ \
2 9
/\
3 3
HCF (Highest Common Factor)
The largest number that divides two or more numbers exactly is called HCF.
Methods:
1. Listing factors method.
2. Prime factorization method.
3. Common division method.
Example: Find HCF of 12 and 18.
Factors of 12: 1,2,3,4,6,12
Factors of 18: 1,2,3,6,9,18
HCF = 6.
LCM (Least Common Multiple)
The smallest common multiple of two or more numbers is called LCM.
Methods:
1. Listing multiples method.
2. Prime factorization method.
3. Long division method.
Example (long division):
LCM of 12, 18, 24
2 | 12,18,24
2 | 6,9,12
3 | 3,9,6
3 | 1,3,2
2 | 1,1,1
LCM = 2×2×3×3×2 = 72.
Divisibility Rules
2: Last digit is even.
3: Sum of digits divisible by 3.
4: Last two digits divisible by 4.
5: Last digit 0 or 5.
6: Divisible by 2 and 3.
8: Last three digits divisible by 8.
9: Sum of digits divisible by 9.
10: Last digit 0.
11: Difference of alternate digit sums is 0 or multiple of 11.
Tricks and Shortcuts
For HCF: Take the smallest number and check common divisors.
For LCM: Multiply numbers and divide by HCF.
Prime check: Divide by primes less than square root.
Use factor tree for easy factorization.
Summary
Factors: Numbers that divide completely.
Multiples: Numbers obtained by multiplication.
Prime numbers: 2 factors only.
Composite numbers: More than 2 factors.
HCF: Greatest common factor.
LCM: Smallest common multiple.
Divisibility rules save time.
Prime Numbers, Composite Numbers, and Co-Prime Numbers
Prime Numbers:
A prime number is a natural number greater than 1 that has exactly two distinct factors: 1
and itself.
Examples: 2, 3, 5, 7, 11, 13, 17.
Important Note: 2 is the only even prime number.
Non-Examples: 1 (only one factor), 4 (has factors 1, 2, 4), 9 (1, 3, 9).
Composite Numbers:
A composite number is a natural number that has more than two factors.
Examples: 4, 6, 8, 9, 10 (4 has factors 1, 2, 4).
Non-Examples: 2, 3 (since they are prime), 1 (neither prime nor composite).
Co-Prime Numbers:
Two numbers are co-prime if their greatest common factor (HCF) is 1. They may or may not
be prime themselves.
Examples: (8, 15), (9, 10), (4, 9).
Non-Examples: (6, 8) (HCF = 2), (12, 18) (HCF = 6).
Examples and Non-Examples Table
Type Examples Non-Examples
Prime Numbers 2, 3, 5, 7, 11 1, 4, 6
Composite Numbers 4, 6, 8, 9, 10 2, 3, 1
Co-Prime Pairs (8, 15), (9, 10) (6, 8), (12, 18)
Exceptions:
1 is neither prime nor composite.
2 is the only even prime number.
Worksheet: Prime, Composite, and Co-Prime Numbers
1. List all prime numbers between 20 and 50.
2. Write the first 10 composite numbers.
3. Find 3 pairs of co-prime numbers less than 30.
4. True or False:
a) 1 is a prime number.
b) 2 is the only even prime number.
c) 9 and 10 are co-prime numbers.
5. Fill in the blanks:
a) The smallest prime number is _______.
b) The smallest composite number is _______.
