Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 104,387?
A:
Positive:
1 x 10438747 x 2221
Negative:
-1 x -104387-47 x -2221
A:
Positive:
1 x 10438747 x 2221
Negative:
-1 x -104387-47 x -2221
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 104,387, 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 | 104,387 | |
-1 | -104,387 |
When you multiply two negative numbers together, you get a positive number. That means both the positive and negative numbers are factors of 104,387.
Example:
1 x 104,387 = 104,387
and
-1 x -104,387 = 104,387
Notice both answers equal 104,387
With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 104,387 and divide it by 2:
104,387 ÷ 2 = 52,193.5
If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 52,193.5 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 | 104,387 | |
-1 | -104,387 |
Now, we try dividing 104,387 by 3:
104,387 ÷ 3 = 34,795.6667
If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 34,795.6667 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 | 104,387 | |
-1 | -104,387 |
Let's try dividing by 4:
104,387 ÷ 4 = 26,096.75
If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 26,096.75 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 | 104,387 | |
-1 | 104,387 |
If you did it right, you will end up with this table:
1 | 47 | 2,221 | 104,387 |
-1 | -47 | -2,221 | -104,387 |
Here are some more numbers to try:
Try the factor calculator