Year 5 - Maths
Use a complete list of factors to explain when a number is a square number
Understand and use the concept of factorisation (square and prime numbers)
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This pupil-friendly study guide includes a unit summary, clear notes, common mistakes, and quick questions with answers.
Unit Summary
In this unit pupils will understand and use the concept of factorisation, explaining what a factor is and how to use arrays and multiplication/division facts to find them. They will identify prime numbers, square numbers and composite numbers.
Lesson Summary
You will learn to use a complete list of factors to explain when a number is a square number.
Key Notes
- A square number has an odd number of factors.
- A square number is the product of multiplying a number by itself.
Vocabulary To Learn
- Factor: Factors are whole numbers which exactly divide another whole number.
- Square number: A square number is the result of multiplying an integer (not a fraction) by itself.
Common Mistakes To Avoid
- Pupils record the number of factors for a square number as even as they record the same number twice when writing down the factors of the square arrangement.
3 Quick Questions (With Answers)
1. Solve this in steps: explain the method from this lesson and why each step matters.
A square number has an odd number of factors. A square number is the product of multiplying a number by itself.
2. Use this key word in a maths sentence and explain it clearly. 'Factor'
Factors are whole numbers which exactly divide another whole number. Use this word when showing your method, then check your final answer is reasonable.
3. Spot and fix this common maths mistake.
Mistake: Pupils record the number of factors for a square number as even as they record the same number twice when writing down the factors of the square arrangement. Correction: Highlight the need to only record each number as a factor once. You may like to record this on the tail of the factor bug to help emphasise this.
More Lessons In This Unit
- Explain how to find all the factors of a number systematically Study Guide
- Explain how to identify a prime factor of a number Study Guide
- Explain how to identify a prime number or a composite number Study Guide
- Explain what a factor is and use arrays and multiplication and division facts to find them Study Guide
Browse all guides in the Year 5 Maths guide library.