Is 0 a factor?

[givemeanid]

Is 0 considered a factor of any non-zero number?

For e.g is 0 considered a factor of 104?

[GMAT 2007]

Ideally, it shouldn't be!

According to the definition of factor, the factor when multiplied by other factors should equals the multiple. But if we multiply 0 with any number the result would be 0 but not the multiple itself. Does it make sense?

GMAT 2007

[givemeanid]

It does make sense. Thanks bro.

[GMAT 2007]

You are welcome dude.

[JadranLee]

You're right, givemeanid. Zero is not considered a factor of any nonzero number.

-Jad

Is 0 considered a factor of any non-zero number?

For e.g is 0 considered a factor of 104?

[dheeraj787]

Hi,
I see a little problem in the definition of a factor give above.

I have a number 8. Its factors are 1,2,4,8

If I multiply 1 and 2, I will get 2. But 2 is not a multiple of 8.

Experts pls tell if I am correct or tell me the correct definition of a factor.

Thanks.

[dheeraj787]

One more question:

Can i say 1 is a factor of -24 ?

Can i say -2 is a factor of -24 ?

Thanks

[dheeraj787]

Also, Can i say

1 is the smallest factor of any integer ?

The largest factor of an integer is the integer itself ?

Thanks

[dheeraj787]

What are the factors of Zero ?

[dheeraj787]

What are the factors of -6 ?

Are they 1,2,3,6 ?

Experts pls tell. Thanks

[jnelson0612]

Hi,
I see a little problem in the definition of a factor give above.

I have a number 8. Its factors are 1,2,4,8

If I multiply 1 and 2, I will get 2. But 2 is not a multiple of 8.

Experts pls tell if I am correct or tell me the correct definition of a factor.

Thanks.

A factor is simply a number that divides into another number. Thus, you are correct: the factors of 8 are 1, 2, 4, 8. They are the numbers that divide into 8.

A multiple of some number is that number times every integer in existence. Thus the multiples of 8 are 8 (which is 1 * 8), 16 (which is 2 * 8), 24, 32, etc.

There is really no reason to start multiplying the different factors of 8, so I really wouldn't worry about that.

[jnelson0612]

dheeraj, it would be helpful if you would ask your questions in one post rather than several posts.

For the purposes of the GMAT, you will not have to worry about factors of negative numbers OR of zero. The GMAT will only have you factor positive integers.

[dheeraj787]

Thank you very much Jamie for such a quick reply.
and I will take care of posting all my questions in one post from the next time.

Best Regards,
Dheeraj

[RonPurewal]

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