enVision Mathematics Grade 4, Topic 7: Factors and Multiples
In this unit, your child finds every factor pair of numbers up to 100, lists multiples, and tells prime numbers from composite ones. They often use arrays, rows and columns of equal size, to see the factor pairs. It follows the problem-solving unit and leads into fractions, where factors help find equivalent fractions.
By Robert “Bobby” BarnettMath teacher, parent, and founder of Bobby’s Math Club
What is my child learning in Topic 7?
- Finding all the factor pairs of numbers up to 100, listing multiples, and deciding whether a number is prime or composite. Learn more about finding factors and multiples up to 100: Finding factors and multiples up to 100 · Learn more about spotting prime numbers
Sample questions to try together
These are real questions from our practice. Tap the speaker to hear one read aloud, or the light bulb for a hint, and talk about the answer together.
Question 1 of 3
4 × 9 = 36. Which sentence is true?
- 4 is a multiple of 36.
- 36 is a multiple of 4, but not of 9.
- 36 is a multiple of both 4 and 9.
How you can help
- Arrange 18 crackers into rectangles on the table. Ask how many different rectangles your child can make, then try 17 and talk about why it only makes one long row.
- Play prime-or-not with house numbers on a walk. Your child calls each number prime or composite and names one factor pair as proof.
- Ask a sharing question at snack time: could 24 grapes be shared equally among 5 people? Among 6? Connect each yes to a factor of 24 and each no to a number that isn't.
Where kids can get stuck
- Missing factor pairs, finding 2 × 18 and 3 × 12 for 36 but not 4 × 9 or 6 × 6.
- Mixing up factors and multiples, calling 12 a factor of 3 instead of a multiple.
- Calling 1 a prime number, when a prime has exactly two factors and 1 has only one.
Practice makes perfect
Bobby's Math Club has practice problems that adapt to your child’s level, each with a detailed explanation and an easy-to-follow video, so your child can build confidence in these skills one step at a time.
Words your child will hear
- factor
- A number that multiplies with another number to make a given number, like 4 in 4 × 6 = 24.
- multiple
- The product of a number and a whole number, like 6, 12, and 18 for the number 6.
- factor pair
- Two numbers that multiply to make a given number, like 3 and 8 for 24.
- prime number
- A number greater than 1 with exactly two factors, 1 and itself, like 7.
- composite number
- A number greater than 1 with more than two factors, like 12.
- array
- Objects arranged in equal rows and columns.
- product
- The answer to a multiplication problem.
Want to help your child master factors and multiples?
In Bobby's Math Club, your child practices these skills at just the right level, with a hint when they need one, a clear explanation after every question, and kid-friendly videos. Unlimited practice is free.
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Written by Robert “Bobby” Barnett
Bobby is an award-winning math teacher, the author of Meet Every Learner’s Needs, and the father of two elementary-school math learners. He uses Bobby’s Math Club with his own kids a few times every week. Learn more or contact Bobby.
Which math standards does enVision Mathematics Grade 4 Topic 7 cover?
enVision Mathematics Grade 4 Topic 7 covers this math standard. Each one links to what it means, sample questions, and teaching strategies.
- 4.OA.B.4: Find factors and multiples up to 100, and spot prime numbers.
For teachers: Unit names and order vary between editions and districts, so your school’s own materials have the exact sequence. Learn how Bobby's Math Club can help your students grow.