Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 37,631?
A:
Positive:
1 x 3763111 x 3421121 x 311
Negative:
-1 x -37631-11 x -3421-121 x -311
A:
Positive:
1 x 3763111 x 3421121 x 311
Negative:
-1 x -37631-11 x -3421-121 x -311
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 37,631, it is easier to work with a table - it's called factoring from the outside in.
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 | 37,631 | |
-1 | -37,631 |
When you multiply two negative numbers together, you get a positive number. That means both the positive and negative numbers are factors of 37,631.
Example:
1 x 37,631 = 37,631
and
-1 x -37,631 = 37,631
Notice both answers equal 37,631
With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 37,631 and divide it by 2:
37,631 ÷ 2 = 18,815.5
If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 18,815.5 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 | 37,631 | |
-1 | -37,631 |
Now, we try dividing 37,631 by 3:
37,631 ÷ 3 = 12,543.6667
If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 12,543.6667 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 | 37,631 | |
-1 | -37,631 |
Let's try dividing by 4:
37,631 ÷ 4 = 9,407.75
If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 9,407.75 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 | 37,631 | |
-1 | 37,631 |
If you did it right, you will end up with this table:
1 | 11 | 121 | 311 | 3,421 | 37,631 |
-1 | -11 | -121 | -311 | -3,421 | -37,631 |
Here are some more numbers to try:
Try the factor calculator