Multiplication Rectangles and Factor Rainbows    This month's FREE KS2 activity!

A factor rainbow is a beautiful idea that deserves to be part of every child’s Mathematical vocabulary. Here’s the factor rainbow for 6:


The factors of 6 are the numbers that divide into 6 exactly: 1, 2, 3 & 6. In the rainbow they come in order of size and each is linked by a bow to its partner.

You can make 6 by multiplying its factors together like this:
1 x 6 = 6      2 x 3 = 6

The multiplication rectangles for 6 look like this:


One row of 6 and two rows of 3.
1 x 6 = 6      2 x 3 = 6

You get the idea!

In this investigation we use these two ideas to investigate the factors of lots of different numbers and, in so doing, learn lots about multiplication facts and how they connect together.

Ages 7-12    Printable materials (pdf) - 6 pages of teacher's notes and 7 pupil copymasters.

Teacher's Notes and Pupil Materials