Multiples and Factors

Students are sometimes confused with the concepts of Multiples and Factors.

First, I explain the difference between them by using a number like 10.
Multiples of 10: 10, 20, 30...
Factors of 10:  1 x 10, 2 x 5

Then, I select 2 words - Mother and Mr Fat - to help them remember the concepts.

Mother (= Multiple)
Like a mother, Multiple can 'give birth' to as many "children" as she wants.  The children are endless. 

Mr Fat (= Factor)
No one can be fatter (bigger) than Mr Fat.  The factors of a number can NEVER be bigger than Mr Fat himself.

Hope that helps :  )