Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 118,477?
A:
Positive:
1 x 118477257 x 461
Negative:
-1 x -118477-257 x -461
A:
Positive:
1 x 118477257 x 461
Negative:
-1 x -118477-257 x -461
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 118,477, 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 | 118,477 | |
-1 | -118,477 |
When you multiply two negative numbers together, you get a positive number. That means both the positive and negative numbers are factors of 118,477.
Example:
1 x 118,477 = 118,477
and
-1 x -118,477 = 118,477
Notice both answers equal 118,477
With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 118,477 and divide it by 2:
118,477 ÷ 2 = 59,238.5
If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 59,238.5 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 | 118,477 | |
-1 | -118,477 |
Now, we try dividing 118,477 by 3:
118,477 ÷ 3 = 39,492.3333
If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 39,492.3333 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 | 118,477 | |
-1 | -118,477 |
Let's try dividing by 4:
118,477 ÷ 4 = 29,619.25
If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 29,619.25 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 | 118,477 | |
-1 | 118,477 |
If you did it right, you will end up with this table:
1 | 257 | 461 | 118,477 |
-1 | -257 | -461 | -118,477 |
Here are some more numbers to try:
Try the factor calculator