Skip over navigation
Cambridge University Faculty of Mathematics NRich logo
menu search
  • Teachers expand_more
    • Early years
    • Primary
    • Secondary
    • Post-16
    • Events
    • Professional development
  • Students expand_more
    • Primary
    • Secondary
    • Post-16
  • Parents expand_more
    • Early Years
    • Primary
    • Secondary
    • Post-16
  • Problem-Solving Schools
  • About NRICH expand_more
    • About us
    • Impact stories
    • Support us
    • Our funders
    • Contact us
  • search

Or search by topic

Number and algebra

  • The Number System and Place Value
  • Calculations and Numerical Methods
  • Fractions, Decimals, Percentages, Ratio and Proportion
  • Properties of Numbers
  • Patterns, Sequences and Structure
  • Algebraic expressions, equations and formulae
  • Coordinates, Functions and Graphs

Geometry and measure

  • Angles, Polygons, and Geometrical Proof
  • 3D Geometry, Shape and Space
  • Measuring and calculating with units
  • Transformations and constructions
  • Pythagoras and Trigonometry
  • Vectors and Matrices

Probability and statistics

  • Handling, Processing and Representing Data
  • Probability

Working mathematically

  • Thinking mathematically
  • Developing positive attitudes
  • Cross-curricular contexts

Advanced mathematics

  • Decision Mathematics and Combinatorics
  • Advanced Probability and Statistics
  • Mechanics
  • Calculus

For younger learners

  • Early Years Foundation Stage

Funny Factorisation

Age 11 to 16
Challenge Level Yellow starYellow star
Secondary curriculum
  • Problem
  • Getting Started
  • Student Solutions
  • Teachers' Resources

 Funny Factorisation printable worksheet

Some 4 digit numbers can be written as the product of a 3 digit number and a 2 digit number using each of the digits $1$ to $9$ once, and only once.

The number $4396$ can be written as just such a product.
calculation showing a 3-digit number multiplied by a 2-digit number, giving the answer 4396

Can you find the factors?

Maths is full of surprises!
The numbers $5796$ and $5346$ can each be written as a product like this in two different ways.

Four calculations showing 3-digit numbers multiplied by 2-digit numbers. Two have the answer 5796 and the other two have the answer 5346.

Can you find these four funny factorisations?
 

Extension

There are two more funny factorisations to find, using each of the digits $1$ to $9$ once, and only once.
Can you fill in the blanks in the multiplication below to find one of them?
A 3-digit number with units digit 9, multiplied by a 2-digit number with tens digit 4, giving a 4-digit product with hundreds digit 6

If you know a bit about computer programming, you may wish to write a program to find the final funny factorisation.

 

You may also like

Adding All Nine

Make a set of numbers that use all the digits from 1 to 9, once and once only. Add them up. The result is divisible by 9. Add each of the digits in the new number. What is their sum? Now try some other possibilities for yourself!

Double Digit

Choose two digits and arrange them to make two double-digit numbers. Now add your double-digit numbers. Now add your single digit numbers. Divide your double-digit answer by your single-digit answer. Try lots of examples. What happens? Can you explain it?

More Mods

What is the units digit for the number 123^(456) ?

  • Tech help
  • Accessibility Statement
  • Sign up to our newsletter
  • Twitter X logo

The NRICH Project aims to enrich the mathematical experiences of all learners. To support this aim, members of the NRICH team work in a wide range of capacities, including providing professional development for teachers wishing to embed rich mathematical tasks into everyday classroom practice.

NRICH is part of the family of activities in the Millennium Mathematics Project.

University of Cambridge logo NRICH logo