CCSS.Math.Content.6.NS.B.4
The Standard
Find the greatest common factor of two whole numbers less than or equal to 100 and the least common multiple of two whole numbers less than or equal to 12. Use the distributive property to express a sum of two whole numbers 1—100 with a common factor as a multiple of a sum of two whole numbers with no common factor.
Common Core State Standards for Mathematics · The Number System
Teacher's field guide
What This Standard Means
What Students Need to Do
- Students find the greatest shared factor of two whole numbers and the first shared multiple of two small whole numbers. They factor sums by pulling out the greatest common factor.
What Mastery Looks Like
- Students can find accurate GCFs and LCMs using lists, factor pairs, or prime factorization. They can factor a sum completely and check their work by distributing.
Common Misconceptions
- Students may confuse factors with multiples or choose any shared factor instead of the greatest one. They may list multiples inconsistently or distribute incorrectly when checking a factored sum.
How to Assess It
- Give this exit ticket: Find the GCF of 48 and 60, find the LCM of 8 and 12, then rewrite 42 + 30 as a factored sum.
Lesson moves
Ways to Teach It
Build rectangles for 24 and 36 with square tiles, then identify the largest row length that works for both numbers.
Ask students to explain why 6 is the GCF of 18 and 30, using factor lists as evidence.
Play a factor and multiple card match, pairing number cards with their correct GCF or LCM cards.
Plan equal snack bags with 24 crackers and 36 grapes, finding the greatest number of identical bags with no leftovers.
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Printable 6.NS.B.4 Worksheet
A ready-to-print activity worksheet aligned to CCSS.Math.Content.6.NS.B.4, with an answer key for the teacher on its own page. No account needed.
PDF, US Letter, prints cleanly in black and white.
Download the worksheetLearning progression
Where This Standard Sits
See the whole path on the The Number System progression map.
Before This Standard
If students are struggling here, check these first.
- CCSS.Math.Content.4.OA.B.4
Students use factor pairs and multiples to identify greatest common factors, least common multiples, and factor sums by common factors.
- CCSS.Math.Content.4.NBT.B.6
Division with remainders supports checking factor pairs and divisibility, but GCF and LCM can begin from multiplication facts and lists.
- CCSS.Math.Content.5.OA.A.1
Understanding parentheses helps students read and evaluate factored sums like 4(9+2), though factors and multiples are the main new work.
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