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Guilherme Mazui

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What is the Difference Between Factors and Multiples?

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The main difference between factors and multiples lies in their definitions and the operations used to find them:

  • Factors are numbers that divide a given number without leaving a remainder. They are less than or equal to the number itself, and there are a finite number of factors for a given number. For example, the factors of 8 are 1, 2, and 4.
  • Multiples are the numbers obtained as a product of a given number and integers. They are always greater than or equal to the given number, and there are an infinite number of multiples for a given number. Every number is a multiple of 1. For example, the multiples of 8 are 8, 16, 24, 32, etc.

In summary:

  • Factors divide a number without leaving a remainder.
  • Multiples are the result of multiplying a number by integers.
  • Factors are less than or equal to the given number.
  • Multiples are greater than or equal to the given number.
  • There are a finite number of factors for a given number.
  • There are an infinite number of multiples for a given number.
On this page
  • What is the Difference Between Factors and Multiples?
  • Comparative Table: Factors vs Multiples

    • Comparative Table: Factors vs Multiples

    Here is a table highlighting the differences between factors and multiples:

    Factors Multiples
    Factors are numbers that divide into a given number exactly, i.e., without leaving a remainder Multiples are numbers that result from multiplying a given number by other integers
    Factors are always positive integers Multiples can be any number, including fractions and decimals
    There are a limited number of factors for a given number There are infinitely many multiples for a given number
    To find factors, start with 1 and then test if the number divides other numbers evenly To find multiples, multiply the given number by the integers
    Factors can be found in pairs, as two factors multiply to make another number Multiples are found in a sequence, as a given number is multiplied by the integers

    For example, the factors of 18 are 1, 2, 3, 6, and 9, while its multiples are 18, 36, 54, 72, 90, and so on.

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    Guilherme Mazui

    Guilherme Mazui is graduated in journalism from the Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG) and a master's degree in Communication from the University of São Paulo (USP). In addition, he has experience in advertising writing and has worked as a content editor in several companies.