How to Solve Playing with Numbers — Step by Step Guide

Divisibility rules, factors, multiples and prime numbers. This guide covers Class 6 to 6.

Step-by-Step Method

  1. 1

    A factor of a number divides it exactly. A multiple of a number is obtained by multiplying it by a whole number.

  2. 2

    Divisibility rules: by 2 (even last digit), by 3 (sum of digits divisible by 3), by 5 (ends in 0 or 5), by 9 (sum of digits divisible by 9), by 11 (alternating sum of digits divisible by 11).

  3. 3

    Prime numbers have exactly 2 factors: 1 and itself. The smallest prime is 2.

  4. 4

    Composite numbers have more than 2 factors. 1 is neither prime nor composite.

  5. 5

    Use the Sieve of Eratosthenes to find all primes up to a given number.

Worked Example

Problem: Is 84 divisible by 3 and 7?

Solution: Sum of digits: 8 + 4 = 12, divisible by 3. For 7: 84 ÷ 7 = 12. So 84 is divisible by both 3 and 7.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Saying 1 is a prime number (it is not).

  • Forgetting that 2 is the only even prime number.

  • Missing factors when listing all factors — always start from 1 and go up to √n.

  • Confusing factors with multiples.

Practice Playing with Numbers on SparkEd

Get free chapter-wise practice questions aligned to your board:

Master Playing with Numbers with Free Practice

30,000+ questions, AI solver for instant help, and printable worksheets. 100% free.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I solve Playing with Numbers problems?
A factor of a number divides it exactly. A multiple of a number is obtained by multiplying it by a whole number. Divisibility rules: by 2 (even last digit), by 3 (sum of digits divisible by 3), by 5 (ends in 0 or 5), by 9 (sum of digits divisible by 9), by 11 (alternating sum of digits divisible by 11).
What are common mistakes in Playing with Numbers?
Saying 1 is a prime number (it is not). Forgetting that 2 is the only even prime number.
Which class covers Playing with Numbers?
Playing with Numbers is typically taught in Class 6. SparkEd has free practice for all these grades.
Where can I practise Playing with Numbers for free?
SparkEd offers free chapter-wise practice for Playing with Numbers aligned to CBSE, ICSE, and IB curricula. Visit sparkedmaths.com to start.

SparkEd Maths — sparked.coms@gmail.com — www.sparkedmaths.com