What are trivial factors of a positive integer greater than 1?

Conditions

• The target is a positive integer greater than 1.

Reasoning, step by step

1. Identify the target positive integer greater than 1.
2. Recognize that 1 is always a factor.
3. Recognize that the target itself is always a factor.
4. Label these two factors as trivial.

Example

For the number 12, the trivial factors are 1 and 12. They are highlighted in yellow boxes on screen.

Common misconceptions

• Thinking that trivial factors are the only factors a number has.
• Believing that 1 and the number itself are not factors.

Watch the explanation

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