Gizmo: Finding Factors with Area Models

I picked this gizmo because it is great for introducing factors using factor trees and area models. The area models are great because if you have a composite number there can be many ways to make a square or rectangle. I think it would be great if you could show prime number's area models to show why they are prime, but I understand why they do not show them.

I like how you can choose which number to factor and I like how the squares can be changed by adjusting which numbers are width and length. It is also cool how the prime factorization is shown at the bottom of the factor tree side.

I would use this gizmo in my classroom to introduce prime and composite numbers, as well as factoring. I think that the area models are a great addition to the gizmo to visualize what factors make up the selected number.