Factors of 12

Factors of 12 are the numbers that divide the original number 12 without leaving the remainder. The factors of 12 are 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, and 12. The number 12 is a composite number, and it has several factors other than one and the number itself. Also, the factors of 12 have positive and negative numbers. To find the factors of 12, kids must learn and memorize multiplication table 1 – 20 for accurate calculation practices. Kids learn arithmetic operations in elementary school. Therefore, factors of a number are one of the essential concepts in their curriculum. 

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To find the factors of 21, kids can apply division and multiplication methods. These methods also help them find the prime and pair factors of 12. The pair factors of 12 are (1, 12), (2, 6), and (3, 6) whereas the prime factors of 12 are 2 x 2 x 3 = 22 x 3. Sometimes, kids might find it difficult to understand the concept of factors of 12. You can help them recognize and find the factors of 12 by conducting math activities. These activities help them develop mathematical skills and score good marks in mathematics and other subjects. 

Check math-related articles:

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What are the Factors of 12?

Factors of 12 are the numbers obtained when the original number divides completely without leaving the remainder. Factors of 12 are 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, and 12. The number 12 is a composite number, and hence, it has many factors other than one and the number itself. These factors help kids solve multiplication and division related problems effectively. The factor of 12 has positive and negative numbers. When you multiply two negative factors, the product is the positive, original number 12. For example, (-1, -12), (-2, -6), and (-3, -4). Besides, kids must learn multiplication table 1 – 20 to solve multiplication and division problems easily. 

How to Find the Factors of 12?

To calculate the factors of 12, you can divide the original number with the integers leaving no remainder. Check the division method to find the factors of 12 given below: 

12/1 = 12

12/2 = 6 

12/3 = 4

12/4 = 3

12/6 = 2

12/12 = 1

Therefore, the factors of 12 are 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, and 12. 

Pair Factors of 12

The pair of factors are the two factors of 12 multiplied together to get the original number 12. And these pairs of factors are called pair factors of 12. Check the multiplication method to find the factors of 12 given below: 

1 x 12 = 12

2 x 6 = 12

3 x 4 = 12

4 x 3 = 12

6 x 2 = 12

12 x 1 = 12

Therefore, the pair factors of 12 are (1, 12), (2, 6), and (3, 4). Besides this, there are also negative factors of 12. When you multiply two negative numbers, the result is positive. Check the multiplication method to find the negative pair factors of 12 given below: 

-1 x -2 = 12

-2 x -6 = 12

-3 x -4 = 12

-4 x -3 = 12

-6 x -2 = 12

-12 x -1 = 12

Therefore, the negative pair factors of 12 are (-1, -12), (-2, -6), and (-3, -4). 

Prime Factors of 12 

To find the prime factors of 12, you must multiply the prime number two with the original number. Then, continue with steps till you get a quotient one. 

Step 1: 12/2 = 6

Step 2: 6/2 = 3

Since the number is not divisible by prime number 2, you can take the next prime number 3 to find the prime factors of 12

Step 3: 3/3 = 1

Therefore, the prime factors of 12 are 2 x 2 x 3 = 22 x 3. 

Check multiplication tables related articles

Multiplication Table 1 to 20Multiplication Tables 1 to 10
Tables 11 to 20Tables 1 to 50 

Solved Examples on Factors of 12

Some solved examples on factors of 12 for kids are mentioned below. 

Example 1: Find the common factors of 48 and 12

Solution: Factors of 12 = 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, and 12

Factors of 48 = 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 8, 12, 16, 24, and 48.

Therefore, the common factors of 48 and 12 are 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, and 12. 

Example 2: Thomson got 12 packets of pencils for his classmates. He gave all the packets of pencils to his 4 classmates. How many packets of pencils did each classmate receive?

Solution: Number of packets of pencils = 12

Number of classmates = 4

Total number of packets of pencils received by each classmate = 12/4 = 3

Therefore, the total number of packets of pencils received by each classmate is 3. 

Example 3: A person plucked 12 apples from the trees. He gave all the apples to his 6 siblings. How many apples did each sibling receive?

Solution: Number of apples = 12

Number of siblings = 6

Total number of apples received by each sibling = 12/6 = 2

Therefore, the total number of apples received by each sibling is 2. 

Benefits of Learning Factors of 12 

The benefits of learning factors of 12 for kids are mentioned below:

  • It helps children solve mathematical problems efficiently. 
  • It increases the academic scores in mathematics and other subjects.
  • It helps children understand mathematical concepts quickly.  
  • It enables kids to understand the equations and come up with logical solutions related to factors of 12. 
  • It helps kids apply the concepts in real-life situations. 

We hope this article on factors of 12 was useful to you. For more about activities, worksheets and games, explore worksheets for kids, math for kidspuzzles for kids, kids learning sections at Osmo.

Frequently Asked Questions on Factors of 12

What is the total number of factors of 12?

There are six factors of 12, and they are 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, and 12.

What are the pair factors of 12?

The pair factors of 12 are (1, 12), (2, 6), and (3, 4).

What are the prime factors of 12?

The prime factors of 12 are 2 x 2 x 3 = 22 x 3.