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      Problem solving with factors, multiples, squares and cubes

      Lesson details

      Learning outcome

      I can use my knowledge of factors, multiples, squares and cubes to solve problems.

      Key learning points

      1. Knowledge of factors and multiples can be used to solve problems
      2. Knowledge of squares and cubes can be used to solve problems
      3. Knowledge of squares, cubes, multiples and factors can used to solve problems

      Keywords

      • Square number - A square number is the product of two repeated integers

      • Cube number - A cube number is the product of three repeated integers

      • Multiple - A multiple is the product of a number and an integer

      • Numerical factor - A numerical factor is a factor that is an integer

      Common misconception

      Real life measurements aren't always integers. Use of integers can give more a practical application

      e.g. find the largest with 200 blocks, the cbrt(200) is not an integer so we use 5 x 5 x 5 =125

      Teacher tip

      As a warm up activity to revisit squares, cubes, factors and multiples go around the class asking students to give an example which has not already been said. Allow the use of a calculator so that students are able to give their answers quickly.

      Licence

      This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2025), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0
      except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions
      (Collection 2).

      Lesson video

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      Prior knowledge starter quiz

      6 Questions

      Q1.
      What does LCM stand for?

      Correct Answer: lowest common multiple, least common multiple

      Q2.
      Sam makes two towers of blocks. One uses blocks that are 15 cm high, the other has blocks that are 12 cm high. What height will the towers first be the same height? Is this an LCM or HCF problem?

      Correct Answer: LCM, lowest common multiple

      Q3.
      Sam makes two towers of blocks. One uses blocks that are each 15 cm high, the other has blocks that are 12 cm high. What height will the towers first be the same height?

      Correct Answer: 60 cm, 60 centimetres, 60

      Q4.
      Aisha has 20 white flowers, 45 red flowers and 30 yellow flowers. Aisha wants to make identical bunches. What is the greatest number of bunches she can make?

      2
      3
      4
      Correct answer: 5

      Q5.
      Laura goes to a club every 6 days, Andeep goes to the same club every 10 days and Lucas goes every 15 days. They all went today. How many days will it be until they all go on the same day again?

      This is an HCF problem.
      Correct answer: This is an LCM problem.

      Q6.
      Laura goes to a club every 6 days, Andeep goes to the same club every 10 days and Lucas goes every 15 days. They all went today. How many days will it be until they all go on the same day again?

      Correct Answer: 30, thirty, 30 days, thirty days

      6 Questions

      Q1.
      The product of two repeated integers is called a __________.

      multiple
      Correct answer: square number
      cube number
      factor

      Q2.
      True or false? All integers are square numbers.

      True, you can square any integer.
      Correct answer: False, not all integers can be written as the product of two repeated integers.

      Q3.
      What are the dimensions of the largest square you can make with 90 counters?

      7 by 7
      8 by 8
      Correct answer: 9 by 9
      10 by 10

      Q4.
      Which of the following is both a square number and a cube number?

      4
      8
      36
      Correct answer: 64

      Q5.
      Which of the following is not written as a product of prime factors?

      $$2^3$$
      $$3^4\times7$$
      Correct answer: $$5^2\times9$$
      $$11^3\times13\times19^2$$

      Q6.
      Which of the following are a correct answer to a string of consecutive numbers that satisfies: even, prime, composite, square

      20, 21, 23, 24
      Correct answer: 22, 23, 24, 25
      Correct answer: 6, 7, 8, 9
      12, 13, 14, 15

      To help you plan your 7 maths lesson on: Problem solving with factors, multiples, squares and cubes, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...