Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 68,987?
A:
Positive:
1 x 68987149 x 463
Negative:
-1 x -68987-149 x -463
A:
Positive:
1 x 68987149 x 463
Negative:
-1 x -68987-149 x -463
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 68,987, 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 | 68,987 | |
-1 | -68,987 |
When you multiply two negative numbers together, you get a positive number. That means both the positive and negative numbers are factors of 68,987.
Example:
1 x 68,987 = 68,987
and
-1 x -68,987 = 68,987
Notice both answers equal 68,987
With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 68,987 and divide it by 2:
68,987 ÷ 2 = 34,493.5
If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 34,493.5 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 | 68,987 | |
-1 | -68,987 |
Now, we try dividing 68,987 by 3:
68,987 ÷ 3 = 22,995.6667
If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 22,995.6667 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 | 68,987 | |
-1 | -68,987 |
Let's try dividing by 4:
68,987 ÷ 4 = 17,246.75
If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 17,246.75 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 | 68,987 | |
-1 | 68,987 |
If you did it right, you will end up with this table:
1 | 149 | 463 | 68,987 |
-1 | -149 | -463 | -68,987 |
Here are some more numbers to try:
Try the factor calculator