What is a number or symbol that divides evenly into a larger number called?

A number or symbol that divides evenly into a larger number is called a factor. In mathematics, factors are the integers or other numbers that can be multiplied together to get a specific product. For example, in the case of the number 12, its factors include 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, and 12, since each of these numbers can divide 12 without leaving a remainder. Understanding factors is essential, as they help in simplifying fractions, determining greatest common divisors, and performing efficient calculations in various mathematical applications.

The other terms have specific meanings that differ from the concept of a factor. A multiple is a number that can be expressed as the product of a given number and an integer, while a denominator refers to the bottom part of a fraction, indicating how many equal parts the whole is divided into. A numerator, on the other hand, is the top part of a fraction and denotes how many of those equal parts are being considered.