Factors of 1
The factors of 1 are the numbers that divide it exactly. Finding factors is the first step in simplifying fractions and factoring expressions.
The lone corner case: 1 divides itself and nothing else — on most definitions it is neither prime (it lacks a second factor) nor composite. Every other counting number lists 1 among its factors, which is exactly why multiplying or dividing by 1 changes nothing at all. The table above holds a single row, 1 × 1 = 1, and the sum of its factors is 1 itself.
| Factor | Pairing |
|---|---|
| 1 | 1 × 1 = 1 |
Frequently asked questions
What are the factors of 1?
The only factor of 1 is 1 (1 is neither prime nor composite in most definitions).
How do you find factors of 1?
Test each number from 1 up to 1: if it divides 1 with no remainder, it is a factor. Pair test — every factor with a cofactor, like 1 × 1 = 1.
Why do factors matter for simplifying fractions?
Simplification divides both top and bottom by their greatest common factor — so a shared factor between two numbers, like you can find in the tables above, makes the fraction smaller and cleaner.