Using factor pairs in mental calculations worksheet

This engaging worksheet is designed to help Key Stage 2 students enhance their understanding of factor pairs and the concept of commutativity in mental calculations. The worksheet is divided into a series of interactive activities, each requiring the use of whiteboards and pens or digit cards.

Activity 1 begins with the teacher stating two numbers, for example, 4 and 8. Students are then tasked with writing down a list of numbers for which the given numbers are factors, such as 16, 24, 32, and so on. To add a competitive edge, a time limit can be set for this activity. In Activity 2, students are challenged to determine which number between 1 and 20 has the most factors, employing strategies like excluding prime numbers to find the answer efficiently. Activity 3 is a dynamic game where each child is given a digit card from a set of 1-9. When a number is called out by the teacher, any child holding a card that is a factor of that number holds their card up high. After a few rounds, the children swap their cards and continue the game. Finally, Activity 4 requires students to write down all the factors of a given number and discuss how they can be sure they have found every factor.

The objective of these activities is to reinforce students' ability to recognise and utilise factor pairs in mental calculations, which is a fundamental skill in mathematics. Through these varied and interactive exercises, students can practise and consolidate their knowledge in a fun and collaborative environment.