Factors and Multiples word search, scramble and crossword puzzle
- Grades
- Grades 4–5, Elementary
- Pages
- 6
- File type
- Answer key
- Included
- Subject
- Math, ELA, Spelling, Language Development, Vocabulary
- Topic
- Word search, Word scramble
- Resource types
- Crosswords Puzzles, Worksheets, Worksheets & Printables
- Answer key
- Included
Product description
From the author
I made this factors and multiples puzzle set for my 4th graders during our math unit. The kids kept mixing up which was which, saying "factors are numbers you multiply" and "multiples are numbers you count by" but still getting confused. So I put together a word search, a word scramble, and a crossword using words like factor, multiple, divisor, factor pair, factor tree, common factor, common multiple, prime factor, least common multiple and greatest common factor. Nothing fancy — just puzzles to help the difference finally stick.
The download contains three two-page PDFs: one puzzle and its solution in each, for six pages total. The word search works well for quiet time after recess. The scramble gets them talking because they argue about whether 6 is a factor or multiple of 12. The crossword I use for partners.
Works for 4th through 5th grade. Print and go. Sometimes I have early finishers list all the factors of 12 on the back. The kids actually ask for these now.
Related resources
More resources teachers may find useful
24 related resources were found using this product's title, contributor, categories and tags.
In the classroom
Teaching tips & learning objectives
Learning objectives
Recall the term that matches a compressed definition — "Largest common divisor" for greatest common factor, "Divides without remainder" for divisor
Distinguish the paired terms that students most often confuse: factor against multiple, common factor against common multiple, greatest common factor against least common multiple
Spell each term correctly, using the scramble clues, crossword and solutions for support
Teaching tips
Set the crossword last: its clues are the most compressed of the three formats, so students who have already met the same terms in the scramble and the search have something to work from
Longer terms such as least common multiple and greatest common factor are worth working together on the board rather than leaving to independent time
The three puzzles share one word list, so they work as a sequence across a week rather than as three interchangeable worksheets
Skills covered
Factors and multiples vocabulary — fifteen terms are practised, from the basic factor, multiple and divisor up to greatest common factor and divisibility rule.
Matching a definition to a term — every crossword clue is a compressed definition, so "Shared divisor" has to be resolved to common factor and "Product times integer" to multiple.
Visual search and letter tracking — the word search requires locating fifteen terms inside a letter grid, including phrases as long as least common multiple.
Good to know
Questions teachers ask about this resource
Do the three puzzles use the same words?
Yes. All three formats use fifteen factors-and-multiples terms, including factor tree, Venn factor and integer multiple. Each puzzle has its own solution page.
In Factors and Multiples word search, scramble and crossword puzzle, how are the crossword clues written?
As two- or three-word compressed definitions rather than sentences. "Times whole number", "Multiple of odd", "Prime divisor", "Divisor", "Multiple of two" and "Two factors multiply" run across; "Largest common divisor", "Smallest common multiple", "Test for factor", "Diagram overlap", "Shared multiple", "Shared divisor", "Divides without remainder", "Product times integer" and "Breakdown visual" run down.
Are the scramble jumbles all short?
The set includes short terms such as factor and longer phrases such as least common multiple. Model a longer term with the class if students need support.
No reviews yet
Downloaded this resource? Tell other teachers how it went.
Resource details
Concepts & topics
Core concepts
Core concepts
Factors
Multiples
Greatest common factor
Least common multiple
Math vocabulary
Topics
Explore more
Categories this resource belongs to
Explore related searches
More to explore
You may also like
