Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 19,951?

 A:
Positive:   1 x 1995171 x 281
Negative: -1 x -19951-71 x -281


How do I find the factor combinations of the number 19,951?

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 19,951, 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 19,951
-1 -19,951

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 19,951.

Example:
1 x 19,951 = 19,951
and
-1 x -19,951 = 19,951
Notice both answers equal 19,951

With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 19,951 and divide it by 2:

19,951 ÷ 2 = 9,975.5

If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 9,975.5 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 19,951
-1 -19,951

Now, we try dividing 19,951 by 3:

19,951 ÷ 3 = 6,650.3333

If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 6,650.3333 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 19,951
-1 -19,951

Let's try dividing by 4:

19,951 ÷ 4 = 4,987.75

If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 4,987.75 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 19,951
-1 19,951
Keep dividing by the next highest number until you cannot divide anymore.

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

17128119,951
-1-71-281-19,951

More Examples

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