Final answer:
Starting with one when finding factors provides a straightforward beginning, ensures no factors are missed, and is time-efficient; it builds a strong understanding of multiplication as you identify all factors methodically.
Step-by-step explanation:
Starting with the number one when finding factors of a number is beneficial because every number is divisible by one, which establishes an easy beginning point for the factorization process. As you work your way up from one, you can systematically identify all the smaller factors before getting to more complicated larger factors. This methodical approach ensures that no factors are missed and can be a time-efficient strategy.
For example, when finding the factors of 12, it is efficient to start at one: 1 x 12, then move to two: 2 x 6, and finally three: 3 x 4. By starting from one and proceeding in ascending order, you can also easily identify when to stop as factors start repeating after reaching the square root of the given number. This practice reinforces the concept of multiplication as repeated addition, helping to build a more intuitive understanding of numbers and their relationships.