Factors...Multiples...Game On!

Prior to completing this activity, students need to understand the difference between multiples and factors. A multiple of a number is the product of that number and any nonzero whole number. A factor is a whole number that divides another whole number with a remainder of zero. Any number is always divisible by all its factors.

Pass out the GCF Venn Diagrams. There are ten different combinations. You have the flexibility to have students complete one or all of the Venn Diagrams. Some are more challenging than others to accommodate student’s different ability levels. Students will then list all the factors of the two numbers and complete the Venn Diagram by placing common factors in the middle. Understanding common factors between two numbers is an important step to be successful in the Product Game. Then students will discover the GCF by identifying the largest number in the middle. 

Have students access the Product Game and play a few rounds. One student will move one marker to make their first move. The resulting multiple will be identified on the gameboard. The next player can only move one of the two markers to create another multiple as their move on the gameboard. The object is for each player to get four moves in a row either horizontally, vertically, or diagonally. Students can either play against the computer or with a partner. Finally have students complete the Product Game Reflection. This will require them to think about how the game works and connect how to make strategic moves to win the game.