Factors of 42 (Definition, List, Prime Factorization & Examples)
Last updated: December 2025
The factors of 42 are the numbers that divide 42 exactly without leaving any remainder. These factors are commonly used in mathematics to simplify fractions, find common factors, and solve number problems in exams and homework.
What Are the Factors of 42?
Factors of 42 are all positive integers that divide the number 42 evenly. In simple words, if a number divides 42 completely, it is called a factor of 42.
List of Factors of 42
The complete list of factors of 42 is:
1, 2, 3, 6, 7, 14, 21, 42
How to Find the Factors of 42
Method 1: Division Method
In this method, we divide 42 by natural numbers and check which numbers divide it completely.
- 42 ÷ 1 = 42
- 42 ÷ 2 = 21
- 42 ÷ 3 = 14
- 42 ÷ 6 = 7
So, the factors obtained are 1, 2, 3, 6, 7, 14, 21, and 42.
Method 2: Factor Pair Method
In this method, we write factors in pairs whose product is 42.
- 1 × 42 = 42
- 2 × 21 = 42
- 3 × 14 = 42
- 6 × 7 = 42
Prime Factorization of 42
Prime factorization means expressing a number as a product of its prime factors.
42 = 2 × 3 × 7
Is 42 a Prime or Composite Number?
The number 42 is a composite number because it has more than two factors.
Greatest and Smallest Factor of 42
- Smallest factor: 1
- Greatest factor: 42
Examples Using Factors of 42
Example 1
Find whether 7 is a factor of 42.
42 ÷ 7 = 6 (no remainder) → Yes, 7 is a factor of 42.
Example 2
How many factors does 42 have?
42 has 8 factors.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many factors does 42 have?
The number 42 has 8 factors.
Is 42 a perfect number?
No, 42 is not a perfect number because the sum of its factors (excluding itself) is not equal to 42.
Is 42 an even number?
Yes, 42 is an even number because it is divisible by 2.
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