Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 14,613?

 A:
Positive:   1 x 146133 x 4871
Negative: -1 x -14613-3 x -4871


How do I find the factor combinations of the number 14,613?

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 14,613, 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 14,613
-1 -14,613

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 14,613.

Example:
1 x 14,613 = 14,613
and
-1 x -14,613 = 14,613
Notice both answers equal 14,613

With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 14,613 and divide it by 2:

14,613 ÷ 2 = 7,306.5

If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 7,306.5 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 14,613
-1 -14,613

Now, we try dividing 14,613 by 3:

14,613 ÷ 3 = 4,871

If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 4,871 are factors. In this case, the quotient is a whole number. Write them in the table inside the other two factors like the below example. Don't forget to write the negative numbers too!

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

1 3 4,871 14,613
-1 -3 -4,871 -14,613

Let's try dividing by 4:

14,613 ÷ 4 = 3,653.25

If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 3,653.25 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 3 4,871 14,613
-1 -3 -4,871 14,613
Keep dividing by the next highest number until you cannot divide anymore.

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

134,87114,613
-1-3-4,871-14,613

More Examples

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