Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 115,991?

 A:
Positive:   1 x 11599117 x 6823
Negative: -1 x -115991-17 x -6823


How do I find the factor combinations of the number 115,991?

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 115,991, 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.

1 115,991
-1 -115,991

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 115,991.

Example:
1 x 115,991 = 115,991
and
-1 x -115,991 = 115,991
Notice both answers equal 115,991

With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 115,991 and divide it by 2:

115,991 ÷ 2 = 57,995.5

If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 57,995.5 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:

1 115,991
-1 -115,991

Now, we try dividing 115,991 by 3:

115,991 ÷ 3 = 38,663.6667

If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 38,663.6667 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:

1 115,991
-1 -115,991

Let's try dividing by 4:

115,991 ÷ 4 = 28,997.75

If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 28,997.75 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:

1 115,991
-1 115,991
Keep dividing by the next highest number until you cannot divide anymore.

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

1176,823115,991
-1-17-6,823-115,991

More Examples

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