
Preparing for competitive exams requires a clear understanding of basic mathematics topics. One such important area is the Number System. Within this, the factor concept plays a vital role in solving many objective questions. This article explains the factor concept in a structured and simple way, keeping the exam pattern in mind. The focus is on SSC GD Maths 2026, where questions from this topic are regularly asked.
The Number System chapter forms the foundation of mathematics. A strong grip on factors helps students handle multiple question types with confidence. In SSC GD Maths 2026, candidates often face questions related to total factors, even factors, odd factors, and the sum of factors. Understanding these concepts reduces calculation errors and improves speed during exams.
Also Read: SSC GD Selection Process
The number system includes natural numbers, whole numbers, integers, and rational numbers. Among these, factor-based questions usually deal with positive integers. In SSC GD Maths 2026, the number system questions are designed to test clarity rather than memorization.
The topic SSC GD Maths Number System focuses on basic operations, divisibility rules, and factor-related concepts. A factor is a number that divides another number exactly without leaving any remainder. This definition is simple, yet very important for exams.
The factor concept SSC GD questions usually start with small numbers but can extend to large values when combined with other concepts. Hence, a clear method is always helpful.
A factor, also called a divisor, divides a number completely.
For example, the factors of 12 are 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, and 12.
Each of these numbers divides 12 without any remainder. This is the core idea behind the divisors concept for SSC GD. Many students confuse factors with multiples. Factors divide a number, while multiples are obtained by multiplying the number.
In SSC GD Maths 2026, such conceptual clarity helps avoid silly mistakes.
Before learning how to count or add factors, prime factorization must be understood. Prime factorization means expressing a number as a product of prime numbers only.
For example:
360 = 2³ × 3² × 5¹
This step is compulsory for solving factor-based problems. The topic of prime factorization ssc gd appears in direct and indirect questions. Without prime factorization, formulas for factors cannot be applied correctly.
In SSC GD Maths 2026, many questions test whether the student can break a number into prime factors quickly.
Once prime factorization is done, finding the total number of factors becomes easy.
If a number is written as:
N = p¹ᵃ × p²ᵇ × p³ᶜ
Then,
Total number of factors = (a + 1)(b + 1)(c + 1)
This is a very common number of factors trick used in exams. It saves time and ensures accuracy.
For example:
360 = 2³ × 3² × 5¹
Total factors = (3+1)(2+1)(1+1) = 24
Questions based on this formula are common in SSC GD Maths Class 2026 sessions and mock tests.
Even factors are those factors that are divisible by 2. To find them, a specific rule is used.
If the number is:
2ᵃ × p²ᵇ × p³ᶜ
Number of even factors = a × (b+1)(c+1)
Here, the power of 2 is not increased by 1. All other prime powers are increased by 1. This rule is frequently applied in even and odd factors questions.
For example:
360 = 2³ × 3² × 5¹
Even factors = 3 × (2+1) × (1+1) = 18
In SSC GD Maths 2026, such questions are often seen in moderate difficulty sections.
Odd factors are those that are not divisible by 2. For this, the power of 2 is ignored completely.
If the number is:
2ᵃ × p²ᵇ × p³ᶜ
Number of odd factors = (b+1)(c+1)
This rule simplifies calculations and reduces confusion. The topic of even and odd factors questions tests whether students remember when to include or exclude the power of 2.
For example:
360 = 2³ × 3² × 5¹
Odd factors = (2+1)(1+1) = 6
This concept is part of the regular SSC GD Syllabus for Maths 2026.
Apart from counting factors, students must also learn how to add them. The sum of all factors is calculated using a geometric series.
For a prime factor pᵃ, the sum is:
1 + p + p² + … + pᵃ
The total sum of factors is the product of such sums for all prime factors. This method is used in the sum of factors questions.
Example:
360 = 2³ × 3² × 5¹
Sum = (1+2+4+8)(1+3+9)(1+5)
Sum = 15 × 13 × 6 = 1170
Such problems appear regularly in SSC GD Maths 2026 practice sets.
To find the sum of even factors, the term 2⁰ is removed from the sum of powers of 2. Only even powers of 2 are included.
The rest of the prime factor sums remain the same. This rule is useful in advanced sum of factors questions.
This concept strengthens understanding of factor properties and improves calculation skills needed for number system maths for SSC GD.
For the sum of odd factors, the prime number 2 is ignored fully. Only odd prime factors are considered.
This method is simple and logical. Students often find such questions scoring when practiced well. The divisors concept for SSC GD is applied directly here.
The factor concept links with many other topics like LCM, HCF, divisibility, and multiples. Questions based on factor and multiple questions ssc gd often combine two or more concepts.
In SSC GD Maths 2026, factor questions test logic, formula application, and calculation speed. Regular practice ensures better accuracy.
The SSC GD Maths Number System section gives students an opportunity to score marks with clarity rather than guesswork.
Understanding factor-based questions becomes easier when preparation is done in a systematic manner. With the right approach and regular revision, students can solve these questions accurately within a limited exam time.
Practice prime factorization daily.
Memorize formulas for total, even, and odd factors.
Solve the previous year's questions of SSC GD Maths 2026.
Focus on understanding rather than shortcuts only.
Revise concepts from ssc gd maths class 2026 notes regularly.
These steps help in building confidence and reducing exam pressure.
The factor concept is a fundamental part of the Number System syllabus. It is simple when understood step by step. From prime factorization to counting and summing factors, each rule has a clear logic behind it.
In SSC GD Maths 2026, mastering this topic can significantly improve performance in the mathematics section. With regular practice and concept clarity, students can handle all types of factor-related questions with ease.
A strong command over the number system maths for SSC GD ensures better results and builds a solid base for other arithmetic topics. Consistent effort, correct methods, and calm practice are the keys to success in this chapter.
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