Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 70,298?

 A:
Positive:   1 x 702982 x 35149
Negative: -1 x -70298-2 x -35149


How do I find the factor combinations of the number 70,298?

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 70,298, 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 70,298
-1 -70,298

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 70,298.

Example:
1 x 70,298 = 70,298
and
-1 x -70,298 = 70,298
Notice both answers equal 70,298

With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 70,298 and divide it by 2:

70,298 ÷ 2 = 35,149

If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 35,149 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 2 35,149 70,298
-1 -2 -35,149 -70,298

Now, we try dividing 70,298 by 3:

70,298 ÷ 3 = 23,432.6667

If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 23,432.6667 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 2 35,149 70,298
-1 -2 -35,149 -70,298

Let's try dividing by 4:

70,298 ÷ 4 = 17,574.5

If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 17,574.5 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 2 35,149 70,298
-1 -2 -35,149 70,298
Keep dividing by the next highest number until you cannot divide anymore.

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

1235,14970,298
-1-2-35,149-70,298

More Examples

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