Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 22,611?

 A:
Positive:   1 x 226113 x 7537
Negative: -1 x -22611-3 x -7537


How do I find the factor combinations of the number 22,611?

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 22,611, 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 22,611
-1 -22,611

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 22,611.

Example:
1 x 22,611 = 22,611
and
-1 x -22,611 = 22,611
Notice both answers equal 22,611

With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 22,611 and divide it by 2:

22,611 ÷ 2 = 11,305.5

If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 11,305.5 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 22,611
-1 -22,611

Now, we try dividing 22,611 by 3:

22,611 ÷ 3 = 7,537

If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 7,537 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 7,537 22,611
-1 -3 -7,537 -22,611

Let's try dividing by 4:

22,611 ÷ 4 = 5,652.75

If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 5,652.75 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 3 7,537 22,611
-1 -3 -7,537 22,611
Keep dividing by the next highest number until you cannot divide anymore.

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

137,53722,611
-1-3-7,537-22,611

More Examples

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