Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 20,111?

 A:
Positive:   1 x 201117 x 287313 x 154717 x 118391 x 221119 x 169
Negative: -1 x -20111-7 x -2873-13 x -1547-17 x -1183-91 x -221-119 x -169


How do I find the factor combinations of the number 20,111?

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 20,111, 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 20,111
-1 -20,111

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 20,111.

Example:
1 x 20,111 = 20,111
and
-1 x -20,111 = 20,111
Notice both answers equal 20,111

With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 20,111 and divide it by 2:

20,111 ÷ 2 = 10,055.5

If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 10,055.5 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 20,111
-1 -20,111

Now, we try dividing 20,111 by 3:

20,111 ÷ 3 = 6,703.6667

If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 6,703.6667 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 20,111
-1 -20,111

Let's try dividing by 4:

20,111 ÷ 4 = 5,027.75

If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 5,027.75 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 20,111
-1 20,111
Keep dividing by the next highest number until you cannot divide anymore.

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

171317911191692211,1831,5472,87320,111
-1-7-13-17-91-119-169-221-1,183-1,547-2,873-20,111

More Examples

Here are some more numbers to try:

Try the factor calculator

Explore more about the number 20,111:


Ask a Question