Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 83,671?
A:
Positive:
1 x 836717 x 11953
Negative:
-1 x -83671-7 x -11953
A:
Positive:
1 x 836717 x 11953
Negative:
-1 x -83671-7 x -11953
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 83,671, 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 | 83,671 | |
-1 | -83,671 |
When you multiply two negative numbers together, you get a positive number. That means both the positive and negative numbers are factors of 83,671.
Example:
1 x 83,671 = 83,671
and
-1 x -83,671 = 83,671
Notice both answers equal 83,671
With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 83,671 and divide it by 2:
83,671 ÷ 2 = 41,835.5
If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 41,835.5 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 | 83,671 | |
-1 | -83,671 |
Now, we try dividing 83,671 by 3:
83,671 ÷ 3 = 27,890.3333
If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 27,890.3333 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 | 83,671 | |
-1 | -83,671 |
Let's try dividing by 4:
83,671 ÷ 4 = 20,917.75
If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 20,917.75 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 | 83,671 | |
-1 | 83,671 |
If you did it right, you will end up with this table:
1 | 7 | 11,953 | 83,671 |
-1 | -7 | -11,953 | -83,671 |
Here are some more numbers to try:
Try the factor calculator