The factors of a number are:

The correct response identifies factors as numbers that can be multiplied together to yield the original number. A factor is defined as a whole number that divides another whole number without leaving a remainder. For example, if you consider the number 15, its factors include 1, 3, 5, and 15, as they can be multiplied in various combinations to arrive back at 15 (1 × 15 or 3 × 5).

The other options do not accurately capture the definition of factors. While certain multiples of a number can be greater than the number itself, factors must be whole numbers that divide evenly into the original number. Factors can be a mix of prime and composite numbers, rather than only prime numbers. Additionally, while some factors may indeed be less than the original number, this is not a requirement, as the number itself is also considered a factor. Thus, the definition of factors as numbers that can be multiplied to obtain the original number is both precise and fundamental to understanding basic arithmetic concepts.