Factor Game

  • Factor Game

    Grade: 3rd to 5th, 6th to 8th


    This interactive is optimized for your desktop and tablet.  



    FactorGame IMAGE InstructionsExamplePlay
    • Player 1 chooses a number on the game board by clicking on it. The square will be colored blue, as shown for 12. Player 1 receives 12 points for this choice.
    • Player 2 then clicks on all the proper factors of Player 1’s number. The proper factors of a number are all the factors of that number, except the number itself. For example, the proper factors of 12 are 1, 2, 3, 4, and 6. Although 12 is also a factor of 12, it is not considered a proper factor. All of the proper factors that Player 2 selects will be colored red. Player 2 will receive 1 + 2 + 3 + 4 + 6 = 16 points for selecting all of the proper factors.
    • Players reverse roles. On the next turn, Player 2 colors a new number and gets that many points, and Player 1 colors all the factors of the number that are not already colored and receives the sum of those numbers in points.
    • The players take turns choosing numbers and coloring factors.



    Questions for Students

    1. Which number has the most factors?
    2. Which numbers should you avoid and why?
    3. What is the best first move, and why?
    4. What is the worst first move, and why?

    Objectives and Standards

    NCTM Standards and Expectations
    • 3-5
    • 6-8
    • Number and Operations