Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 7,537?

 A:
Positive:   1 x 7537
Negative: -1 x -7537


How do I find the factor combinations of the number 7,537?

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 7,537, 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 7,537
-1 -7,537

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 7,537.

Example:
1 x 7,537 = 7,537
and
-1 x -7,537 = 7,537
Notice both answers equal 7,537

With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 7,537 and divide it by 2:

7,537 ÷ 2 = 3,768.5

If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 3,768.5 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 7,537
-1 -7,537

Now, we try dividing 7,537 by 3:

7,537 ÷ 3 = 2,512.3333

If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 2,512.3333 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 7,537
-1 -7,537

Let's try dividing by 4:

7,537 ÷ 4 = 1,884.25

If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 1,884.25 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 7,537
-1 7,537
Keep dividing by the next highest number until you cannot divide anymore.

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

17,537
-1-7,537

More Examples

Here are some more numbers to try:

Try the factor calculator

Explore more about the number 7,537:


Ask a Question