Making factors make sense with visuals
Factors and factoring are extremely important concepts to understanding math. I found a pretty cool game/applet on the Shodor.org site that allows students to use virtual manipulatives to explore factors.
The applet/game is called Factorize. Check it out.
You’re given a number and asked to illustrate the factors by selecting the appropriate dimensions on a grid. After you select a dimension (area of squares), you press the “Enter” button.
I have to admit that when you’re working with larger numbers the grid squares become a little difficult to highlight with the mouse, but I think this is a great visual activity for students. It also helps demonstrate the Commutative property, you simply have to de-select, the “Do Not Show Commutative Property” button.
