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Year 5 - Maths

Explain how to identify common factors between two or more numbers

Use common factors and multiples to solve calculations efficiently

Unit Summary

In this unit pupils will explain how to identify common factors and multiples and use this knowledge of properties of number along with knowledge of the commutative and associative laws to solve problems in a range of contexts.

Lesson Summary

You will learn to explain how to identify common factors between two or more numbers.

Key Notes

  • A common factor is a factor which is shared by two or more numbers

Vocabulary To Learn

  • Factor: A factor is a whole number which exactly divides another whole number.
  • Common factor: When we compare lists of factors of two or more numbers, any factors that are the same are common factors.
  • Prime factor: A prime factor is a factor of a number that is a prime number.

Common Mistakes To Avoid

  • Pupils may only record a prime factor once in the Venn diagram even though it might be used more than once in the composition of the number.

3 Quick Questions (With Answers)

1. Solve this in steps: explain the method from this lesson and why each step matters.

A common factor is a factor which is shared by two or more numbers. A common factor is a factor which is shared by two or more numbers.

2. Use this key word in a maths sentence and explain it clearly. 'Factor'

A factor is a whole number which exactly divides 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 may only record a prime factor once in the Venn diagram even though it might be used more than once in the composition of the number. Correction: It is important the clarify that we are finding common prime factors that are used in the composition of two numbers, and this might include a prime factor being used more than once.

More Lessons In This Unit

Browse all guides in the Year 5 Maths guide library.