Factor pairs are a set of two integers that give a particular product when multiplied together. For example, 2 and 5 are a factor pair for the product of 10.
Factor pairs can be negative numbers, but they must be whole numbers, meaning they do not include a fraction or a decimal.
Remember: a factor is a number that divides another number evenly. The inverse operation multiplies two factors (a factor pair) together to reach a product.
Knowing the timetables well is a great way to quickly and accurately list factor pairs for a given number.
Examples of factor pairs
Let’s look at some examples to demonstrate factor pairs.
The factor pairs of 10 are:
- 1 and 10
- 2 and 5
The factor pairs of 30 are:
- 1 and 30
- 2 and 15
- 3 and 10
- 5 and 6
The factor pairs of 17 are:
- 1 and 17 (this is because 17 is a prime number, which can only be divided by itself and 1)
Important things to remember about factor pairs
- Factor pairs can also include pairs of negative numbers (for example, -3 and -6 are factor pairs for 18)
- All numbers are the product of at least a one-factor couple (even prime numbers, which have a one-factor couple made up of 1 and the prime number itself)
- 1 is a factor of every number
- 2 is a factor of every even number
