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Factor - GCSE Maths Definition

Reviewed by: Mark Curtis

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In GCSE Maths, a "factor" is a whole number that can be multiplied by another whole number to make a specific number.

For example, the factors of 12 are 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, and 12 because you can form multiplication pairs such as:

1 cross times 12 equals 12 comma space space 2 cross times 6 equals 12 comma space space 3 cross times 4 equals 12

Factors are important because they help us understand how numbers work and can be used to find the greatest common factor, which is the largest number that can divide two or more numbers without leaving a remainder. Factors are also used when simplifying fractions and solving many kinds of maths problems.

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Mark Curtis

Reviewer: Mark Curtis

Expertise: Maths Content Creator

Mark graduated twice from the University of Oxford: once in 2009 with a First in Mathematics, then again in 2013 with a PhD (DPhil) in Mathematics. He has had nine successful years as a secondary school teacher, specialising in A-Level Further Maths and running extension classes for Oxbridge Maths applicants. Alongside his teaching, he has written five internal textbooks, introduced new spiralling school curriculums and trained other Maths teachers through outreach programmes.

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