Go Math! Grade 4, Chapter 5: Factors Multiples and Patterns
In this unit, your child finds factors and multiples of numbers up to 100 and tells prime numbers from composite ones. They also make number patterns from a rule, like "start at 3 and add 6," and look for features the rule doesn't mention. It builds on the multiplying and dividing units, and leads into fractions.
By Robert “Bobby” BarnettMath teacher, parent, and founder of Bobby’s Math Club
What is my child learning in Chapter 5?
- Using arrays and divisibility rules to find factors, listing multiples, and sorting numbers to 100 as 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
- Writing a pattern from a rule like "start at 3, add 6," and explaining why every number in it is odd. Learn more: Number patterns that follow a rule
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
- Play a multiples race on a walk: one person counts by 6, the other by 4, and you both shout when you land on the same number, like 12 or 24.
- Arrange 20 crackers into rectangles on a plate. Ask your child to find every factor pair, then try 19 and explain why it's prime.
- Make up a rule on a walk or ride, like "start at 2, add 4." List the numbers together and ask whether any of them will ever be odd, and why.
Where kids can get stuck
- Listing 18 as a factor of 6, when it is a multiple of 6.
- Calling 9 or 15 prime just because it's odd, though 9 = 3 × 3.
- Starting a pattern with the rule number, so "start at 4, add 5" becomes 5, 10, 15.
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.
- 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.
- divisible
- Able to be divided by a number with no remainder, like 12 by 3.
- pattern
- Numbers or shapes that follow a rule.
- rule
- The instruction that tells how a pattern grows, like "add 6."
- term
- One number or shape in a pattern.
Want to help your child master factors, multiples, and patterns?
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 Go Math! Grade 4 Chapter 5 cover?
Go Math! Grade 4 Chapter 5 covers these math standards. Each one links to what it means, sample questions, and teaching strategies.
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.