Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 101,401?

 A:
Positive:   1 x 10140131 x 3271
Negative: -1 x -101401-31 x -3271


How do I find the factor combinations of the number 101,401?

Unfortunately, there's not simple formula to identifying all of the factors of a number and it can be a tedious process when trying to identify the divisors of larger numbers. To find the factor combinations of the number 101,401, it is easier to work with a table - it's called factoring from the outside in.

Outside in Factoring

We start by creating a table and writing 1 on the left side and then the number we're trying to find the factors for on the right side in a table. Then, below that, write the numbers as a negative as well.

1 101,401
-1 -101,401

Why are the negative numbers included?

When you multiply two negative numbers together, you get a positive number. That means both the positive and negative numbers are factors of 101,401.

Example:
1 x 101,401 = 101,401
and
-1 x -101,401 = 101,401
Notice both answers equal 101,401

With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 101,401 and divide it by 2:

101,401 ÷ 2 = 50,700.5

If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 50,700.5 are factors. In this case, the quotient is not a whole number. Don't write anything down and try the next divisor.

Here is what our table should look like at this step:

1 101,401
-1 -101,401

Now, we try dividing 101,401 by 3:

101,401 ÷ 3 = 33,800.3333

If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 33,800.3333 are factors. In this case, the quotient is not a whole number. Don't write anything down and try the next divisor.

Here is what our table should look like at this step:

1 101,401
-1 -101,401

Let's try dividing by 4:

101,401 ÷ 4 = 25,350.25

If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 25,350.25 are factors. In this case, the quotient is not a whole number. Don't write anything down and try the next divisor.

Here is what our table should look like at this step:

1 101,401
-1 101,401
Keep dividing by the next highest number until you cannot divide anymore.

If you did it right, you will end up with this table:

1313,271101,401
-1-31-3,271-101,401

More Examples

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