how do I solve factor puzzles?

Question

Hi I'm Esabella. How do I solve factor puzzles? I am in 6th grade academic math in PA. thank you

 

Answer 1

Factor puzzles are used to solve ratio problems and equivalent fraction problems. Usually you are given 3 numbers within a puzzle box with 4 spaces. You must find the fourth number. You do this by putting numbers on the eight spaces outside the box. These outside spaces represent the factors for each number. Then you look at one line of numbers & see what is the greatest common factor between the two numbers. After finding that number, you look at the other line of numbers & do the same. After finding these factors, you should be able to find the last factors since it will give you the product to the missing number. 

Answer 2

 You need to be more specific:

 

   Factors are building blocks of the product( Multiplication).

 

    2 X 3 = 6       2 and 3 are factors of 6, means that 6 is divisible by 3 and 2

 

    You should be familiar with variables also

 

       For the same reason   A = 2abc   2,a,b, c are factors of A . A is divisible by 2 , a , b andc

 

            A / 2 = abc     A/a = 2bc     A/ b = 2ac    A/c = 2ab

 

                So , these relations are from the fact that Multiplication and division are opposite of each other.  

                2 X 3 = 6    6 ÷3 = 2    6 ÷ 2 = 3 

 

                Factors are separated from each other by multiplication.

              

                    Distributed law goes by:

                   

                  a( b + c ) = ab + ac   ( 1 )

 

                  Factoring is opposite of Distribution Law

 

 

                   ab + ac = a ( b + c)  , i.e,  Common factor of a can be puled out, parenthesis opened