What are the first five factors for 7?
In mathematics, the number 7 is a prime number, which means it has only two distinct positive divisors: 1 and itself. To determine the first five factors of 7, we need to identify all the numbers that can divide 7 without leaving a remainder. Let’s explore this in more detail.
1. The Number One (1)
The first factor of any number is always 1. This is because 1 is a universal divisor, as it can be multiplied by any number to result in that number. In the case of 7, 1 multiplied by 7 equals 7, which means 1 is the first factor of 7.
2. The Number Seven (7)
The second factor of 7 is the number itself. Since 7 is a prime number, it is its own divisor. When you multiply 7 by 1, you get 7, which confirms that 7 is the second factor of 7.
3. The Number Two (2)
The number 2 is not a factor of 7. This is because 2 is an even number, and 7 is an odd number. Even numbers can only be factors of odd numbers if they are divisible by 3 or a higher multiple of 3. Since 7 is not divisible by 2, 2 is not a factor of 7.
4. The Number Three (3)
Similarly, the number 3 is not a factor of 7. Like 2, 3 is an odd number. However, 7 is not divisible by 3, as the product of 3 and 7 (21) is greater than 7. Therefore, 3 is not a factor of 7.
5. The Number Four (4)
The number 4 is also not a factor of 7. Since 4 is an even number, it cannot be a factor of 7, which is an odd number. Moreover, 4 is not divisible by 7, as the product of 4 and 7 (28) is greater than 7. Thus, 4 is not a factor of 7.
In conclusion, the first five factors of 7 are 1, 7, 2, 3, and 4. However, the last three numbers are not actual factors of 7, as they do not divide 7 without leaving a remainder.
