TapLearn
Factors, Multiples and Primes: A Number Isle Adventure

Factors, Multiples and Primes: A Number Isle Adventure

Learn to find common factors, common multiples and prime numbers by planting flower beds, timing lighthouse flashes and sifting primes to 100.

Play now

What you'll learn

  • Find all the factor pairs of a number without missing any
  • Identify common factors and the highest common factor of two numbers
  • Find common multiples and the lowest common multiple of two numbers
  • Explain why a prime has exactly two factors and 1 is not prime
  • Spot every prime number up to 100 with the Sieve of Eratosthenes
  • Use a common denominator to compare, add and simplify fractions

Chapter by chapter

  1. Common factors: numbers that divide into both Free to try

    Year 6 maths · 1

  2. Common multiples: where two times tables meet

    Year 6 maths · 1

  3. Prime numbers: numbers with exactly two factors

    Year 6 maths · 1

  4. Using common multiples and common factors with fractions

    Year 6 maths · 1

  5. Treasure Challenge: factors, multiples and primes (10 questions)

What the chapters cover in the national curriculum in England:

  1. Year 6 maths: Identify common factors, common multiples and prime numbers

About this adventure

Factors, Multiples and Primes is an interactive maths game that teaches children aged 9–11 to identify common factors, common multiples and prime numbers, following the Year 6 national curriculum in England. Kiki the parrot guides players around Number Isle, explaining each idea and asking them to try it straight away.

A factor divides into a number exactly, and a common factor divides into two numbers. A multiple is in a number's times table, and a common multiple is in both tables. Players find the highest common factor and lowest common multiple, learn that a prime number has exactly two factors, and use the Sieve of Eratosthenes to find every prime up to 100.

Finally, they use these skills with fractions: finding a common denominator and simplifying. Spoken narration, typed answers and hints help children practise until the methods stick.

Questions and answers

What is the difference between a factor and a multiple?

A factor divides into a number exactly, while a multiple is in that number's times table. For example, 3 is a factor of 12 because 12 ÷ 3 = 4, and 12 is a multiple of 3. A handy rule: factors fit into a number, multiples come out of times tables.

How do you find the lowest common multiple of two numbers?

Count up in the bigger number's times table and stop at the first number the smaller number divides into exactly. For 4 and 6, counting in sixes gives 6 and then 12, and 12 is in the 4 times table, so 12 is the lowest common multiple.

Why is 1 not a prime number?

1 is not a prime number because a prime has exactly two factors, 1 and itself, and 1 has only one factor. The smallest prime number is 2, which is also the only even prime.

What age is this factors, multiples and primes game for?

The game is designed for children aged 9 to 11. It follows the Year 6 maths curriculum in England, and it also suits confident Year 5 pupils who know their times tables and want a challenge.

What does the game include and how long does it take?

The game has four chapters, an optional refresher of Year 5 ideas, and a 10-question Treasure Challenge that includes typed answers. Playing everything takes about 45 minutes, and children can start any chapter from the island map.

More to explore

See all