Understanding the Factors of 28 and Their Sum

When faced with the question of finding the two factors of 28 that add up to 9, it is important to first understand the concept of factors. Factors are whole numbers that can be multiplied together to produce a given number. In this case, we are dealing with a specific mathematical question and the properties of the number 28.

Defining the Factors of 28

To find the factors of 28, we start by considering the equation:

28 2 x 2 x 7

The factors of 28 are essentially the numbers that can divide 28 evenly without leaving a remainder. These numbers are:

Identifying the Pairs of Factors

Now, let's consider all possible pairs of factors that multiply to give 28:

To answer the question, we need to find which of these pairs also add up to 9. Let's evaluate each pair:

None of these pairs add up to 9, indicating that it is impossible to find two factors of 28 that add up to 9.

Analyze and Conclusion

The factors of 28 are 2, 2, and 7. This can also be represented by saying 2 x 2 x 7 28. Notably, the numbers 2 and 7 are the factors that, when added, give us 9. Thus, the correct statement is:

2 and 7 are the two factors of 28 that add up to 9.

Therefore, the appropriate interpretation and solution to the problem is to recognize that 2 and 7 are indeed the two factors of 28 that add up to 9, and no other pair of factors will satisfy this condition.

Conclusion

The exploration of the factors of 28 reveals that the combination of 2 and 7 is unique in that they multiply to 28 and add up to 9. This problem highlights the importance of understanding number properties and the relationship between multiplication and addition.

For further exploration, you can apply the same logic to other numbers to find various pairs of factors that meet similar criteria. This exercise not only sharpens your number sense but also enhances your problem-solving skills in mathematics.