Get a sheet of paper and list the number that you wish to find the factors of.
For example:
24
Next, draw two branches, and then at the bottom of each write two numbers that can multiply up to that number.
For example:
24
/ \
/ \
/ \
3 8
Three and eight multiply up to 24. Next, continue until all the numbers are prime numbers.
In the example:
24
/ \
/ \
/ \
3 8
/ \
/ \
/ \
2 4
/ \
/ \
/ \
2 2
Now, only look at the number s at the bottom of each branch. This gives you 3, 2, 2, and 2. Yes, there are three twos, but DO NOT erase any of them!! Now combine these numbers in every possible way to get your list of factors:
You can do:
Now, only look at the number s at the bottom of each branch. This gives you 3, 2, 2, and 2. Yes, there are three twos, but DO NOT erase any of them!! Next add the number "1" to your list, because one is a factor of any number. Now combine these numbers in every possible way to get your list of factors:
You can do:
3*2*2*2=24
3*2*2=12
3*2=6
2*2*2=8
2*2=4
2*1=2
3*1=3
The results that you got from multiplying these numbers are your factors! All that's left to do is add the number "1" to your list. Congratulations! You now know the simplest way to find all the factors of any number!!