Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 107,731?

 A:
Positive:   1 x 10773113 x 8287
Negative: -1 x -107731-13 x -8287


How do I find the factor combinations of the number 107,731?

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 107,731, 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.

1 107,731
-1 -107,731

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 107,731.

Example:
1 x 107,731 = 107,731
and
-1 x -107,731 = 107,731
Notice both answers equal 107,731

With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 107,731 and divide it by 2:

107,731 ÷ 2 = 53,865.5

If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 53,865.5 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:

1 107,731
-1 -107,731

Now, we try dividing 107,731 by 3:

107,731 ÷ 3 = 35,910.3333

If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 35,910.3333 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:

1 107,731
-1 -107,731

Let's try dividing by 4:

107,731 ÷ 4 = 26,932.75

If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 26,932.75 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:

1 107,731
-1 107,731
Keep dividing by the next highest number until you cannot divide anymore.

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

1138,287107,731
-1-13-8,287-107,731

More Examples

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