Find the Multiples

In this activity, we're going to be finding the multiples of numbers.

Now, the first thing we need to sort out is "What is a multiple?"

Multiples are simply the answers to any times table question! 

The first six multiples of 3 are: 3, 6, 9, 12, 15, 18...

The first six multiples of 5 are: 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30 ...

The first six multiples of 7 are: 7, 14, 21, 28,  35, 42 ...

To find the multiples of any number, we need to know our times tables.

We might be asked to find particular multiples:

Find the first three multiples of 2:  2, 4, 6

Find all multiples of 2 between 10 and 20: 12, 14, 16, 18 (not 10 or 20 because the question asks us to find numbers 'between' not 'including')

Sometimes, we may be asked to find common multiples of a pair of numbers.

This is easier than it sounds.

A common multiple is simply a multiple that is in both times tables.

Let's have a look at an example:

Find two common multiples of 3 and 5

First, let's write out the tables.

Multiples of 3: 3, 6, 9, 12, 15, 18, 21, 24, 27, 30...

Multiples of 5: 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50...

We can see that the numbers 15 and 30 are in both times tables (they are common to both).

Now why don't you have a go at finding some multiples and common multiples?

Come back and have a look at this page if you get stuck by clicking on the red help button on the screen.