Factors of 6
Every whole number that divides 6 exactly, the factor pairs, and how to find them yourself.
The answer
The factors of 6 are 1, 2, 3 and 6.
Factor pairs of 6
| Pair | Makes |
|---|---|
| 1 × 6 | 6 |
| 2 × 3 | 6 |
Prime factors of 6
- Prime factorisation
- 6 = 2 × 3
- Is 6 prime?
- No. It has 4 factors, not just 1 and 6.
- Is 6 a square number?
- No. 2 × 2 = 4 and 3 × 3 = 9, so 6 falls between two square numbers.
How to find the factors of 6
6 is even, so 2 is sure to be a factor. Work up from 1 to 2, and write down both numbers in every pair you find.
- 6 ÷ 1 = 6, so 1 × 6 is a pair.
- 6 ÷ 2 = 3, so 2 × 3 is a pair.
Stop at 3: 3 × 3 = 9, which is more than 6. The next pair you would find is 3 × 2, which is 2 × 3 turned round, so you already have every pair.
6 in the times tables
2 × 3 = 6. Practise the 2 times table and 3 times table.
More numbers
Check whether 6 is prime.
Questions parents ask
What is the largest factor of 6, apart from 6 itself?
3. Divide 6 by its smallest factor above 1, which is 2: 6 ÷ 2 = 3.
What do the factors of 6 add up to?
12. Leaving out 6 itself, they add up to 6, which is exactly 6, so 6 is a perfect number, one of only two below 100 (the other is 28).
Which number after 6 has the same number of factors?
8. Like 6, it has exactly 4 factors.
Number facts are the base of 11+ maths
Factors, multiples, primes and square numbers come up all over 11+ maths, from simplifying fractions to ratio. The free diagnostic checks maths, English and both kinds of reasoning, and shows what to practise next. No card is required.