How to Find Factors Using Arrays

MatholiaChannel

This educational video provides a clear, step-by-step introduction to the mathematical concept of factors. Through the use of visual manipulatives (cubes and tiles) and multiplication equations, the narrator defines factors as numbers that multiply together to form a product. The video progressively moves from concrete visual representations to abstract numerical lists, demonstrating how to find all factors for the numbers 8, 15, and 24. The video explores key themes of multiplication, arrays, and number properties. It emphasizes the relationship between geometric arrangements (rows and columns) and multiplication facts. By showing that numbers can be arranged in different rectangular formations, it visually reinforces the concept that multiple factor pairs can yield the same product. For the classroom, this video is an excellent resource for introducing 3rd and 4th graders to factors or reinforcing multiplication fluency. It serves as a bridge between understanding multiplication as arrays and performing abstract factoring. Teachers can use the visual strategy demonstrated in the video to help struggling students 'see' the math, making it a valuable tool for differentiation and building conceptual understanding before moving to greatest common factors or prime factorization.