Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 18,695?

 A:
Positive:   1 x 186955 x 3739
Negative: -1 x -18695-5 x -3739


How do I find the factor combinations of the number 18,695?

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 18,695, 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 18,695
-1 -18,695

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 18,695.

Example:
1 x 18,695 = 18,695
and
-1 x -18,695 = 18,695
Notice both answers equal 18,695

With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 18,695 and divide it by 2:

18,695 ÷ 2 = 9,347.5

If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 9,347.5 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 18,695
-1 -18,695

Now, we try dividing 18,695 by 3:

18,695 ÷ 3 = 6,231.6667

If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 6,231.6667 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 18,695
-1 -18,695

Let's try dividing by 4:

18,695 ÷ 4 = 4,673.75

If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 4,673.75 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 18,695
-1 18,695
Keep dividing by the next highest number until you cannot divide anymore.

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

153,73918,695
-1-5-3,739-18,695

More Examples

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