Factors of 126
In mathematics, factors of 126 are numbers that multiply together to make 126. For example, 1 × 126 = 126, so both 1 and 126 are factors. Every number has at least two factors: 1 and itself. These factors always divide 126 completely without leaving a remainder. To find them, you can use basic division or break the number into prime factors. Learning about the factors of 126 helps with understanding multiplication, greatest common factors (GCF), and prime factorization. Let’s explore all the factors, factor pairs, and prime factors of 126 with clear examples.
What are the Factors of 126?
Factors of 126 are the numbers that divide it perfectly, leaving no remainder. The positive factors are 1, 2, 3, 6, 7, 9, 14, 18, 21, 42, 63 and 126, and if we include negatives, we get -1, -2, -3, -6, -7, -9, -14, -18, -21, -42, -63 and -126. Each factor fits into 126 an exact number of times. Understanding factors helps identify whether a number is simple like a prime, or made up of smaller parts like a composite. 126 is composite because it’s made from the multiplication of smaller whole numbers.
Factors of 126: 1, 2, 3, 6, 7, 9, 14, 18, 21, 42, 63 and 126
Factor Pairs of 126
When two numbers multiply to give 126, they form a factor pair. The positive factor pairs of 126 are (1, 126), (2, 63), (3, 42), (6, 21), (7, 18), (9, 14), and the negative ones are (-1, -126), (-2, -63), (-3, -42), (-6, -21), (-7, -18), (-9, -14). Each pair demonstrates how 126 can be created by multiplying two integers. Learning about factor pairs is useful in arithmetic and algebra. It helps in understanding divisibility, simplifying problems, and working with greatest common factors and prime numbers. You can also explore how factor pairs relate to the greatest common factor and prime factorization for deeper understanding.
Positive Factor Pairs of 126:
| Factor 1 | Factor 2 |
|---|---|
| 1 | 126 |
| 2 | 63 |
| 3 | 42 |
| 6 | 21 |
| 7 | 18 |
| 9 | 14 |
Negative Factor Pairs of 126:
| Factor 1 | Factor 2 |
|---|---|
| -1 | -126 |
| -2 | -63 |
| -3 | -42 |
| -6 | -21 |
| -7 | -18 |
| -9 | -14 |
Prime Factorization of 126
Every composite number can be written as a product of prime numbers, which is known as prime factorization. For 126, the prime factors are 2, 3, 3, 7. Thus, the prime factorization of 126 is represented as 2 × 3^2 × 7. This breakdown is useful in finding relationships between numbers, especially in topics like LCM and fractions.
Prime factors of 126:
2, 3, 3, 7
Prime factorization of 126:
2 × 3 × 3 × 7
Compact form:
2 × 32 × 7
Find prime factorization of any number with our Prime Factorization Calculator tool.
How to Find the Factors of 126?
To determine the factors of 126, you can use an optimized division approach. By dividing 126 by integers up to its square root, you can quickly find all positive factor pairs. Every divisor found has a partner that multiplies with it to give 126, helping visualize the number's composition. This approach is especially helpful for learning multiplication, division, and number theory concepts.
Optimized steps to find factors of 126:
- •126 ÷ 1 = 126 → ✅ Factor Pair: (1, 126)
- •126 ÷ 2 = 63 → ✅ Factor Pair: (2, 63)
- •126 ÷ 3 = 42 → ✅ Factor Pair: (3, 42)
- •126 ÷ 6 = 21 → ✅ Factor Pair: (6, 21)
- •126 ÷ 7 = 18 → ✅ Factor Pair: (7, 18)
- •126 ÷ 9 = 14 → ✅ Factor Pair: (9, 14)
This method avoids unnecessary checks and quickly identifies all factor pairs, making it especially helpful for larger numbers.
Find factors and factor pairs of any number with our Factor Checker tool.
Frequently Asked Questions about factors of 126
What are the factors of 126?
The factors of 126 are 1, 2, 3, 6, 7, 9, 14, 18, 21, 42, 63, 126.
What is the prime factorization of 126?
The prime factorization of 126 is 2 × 3 × 3 × 7.
How do I find the factors of 126?
To find the factors of 126, start by dividing 126 by every number from 1 up to the square root of 126.
What are factor pairs of 126?
The factor pairs of 126 are (1, 126), (-1, -126), (2, 63), (-2, -63), (3, 42), (-3, -42), (6, 21), (-6, -21), (7, 18), (-7, -18), (9, 14), (-9, -14).
How can I use the factors of 126?
The factors of 126 can be used to simplify fractions, find the greatest common divisor (GCD), and determine multiples.
Are the factors of 126 always positive?
Factors can be both positive and negative. For example, the negative factors of 126 are -1, -2, -3, -6, -7, -9, -14, -18, -21, -42, -63, -126.