What number could go into 5 and 40? This is a common question in mathematics, especially when dealing with factors and multiples. Understanding the numbers that can divide both 5 and 40 is crucial for various mathematical operations and problem-solving. In this article, we will explore the factors of both numbers and determine the common numbers that can divide them.
In mathematics, a factor is a number that divides another number without leaving a remainder. For instance, 5 is a factor of 10 because 10 divided by 5 equals 2 with no remainder. Similarly, 40 is a factor of 80 because 80 divided by 40 equals 2 with no remainder. To find the common factors of 5 and 40, we need to identify the numbers that can divide both of these numbers without leaving a remainder.
Let’s start by listing the factors of 5. Since 5 is a prime number, it has only two factors: 1 and itself. Therefore, the factors of 5 are 1 and 5.
Next, let’s list the factors of 40. To do this, we can start by dividing 40 by its smallest prime factor, which is 2. 40 divided by 2 equals 20, so 2 is a factor of 40. Now, let’s divide 20 by its smallest prime factor, which is also 2. 20 divided by 2 equals 10, so 2 is a factor of 20 as well. Continuing this process, we find that the factors of 40 are 1, 2, 4, 5, 8, 10, 20, and 40.
Now that we have the factors of both 5 and 40, we can determine the common factors. The common factors are the numbers that appear in both lists. In this case, the common factors of 5 and 40 are 1 and 5.
In conclusion, the numbers that can go into both 5 and 40 are 1 and 5. This information is essential for various mathematical operations and problem-solving, as it helps us understand the relationships between numbers and their factors. By knowing the common factors of two numbers, we can simplify fractions, solve equations, and much more. So, the next time someone asks, “What number could go into 5 and 40?” you’ll have the answer at your fingertips.
