A:
Positive:
1 x 120031317 x 1714733421 x 285112947 x 4073
Negative:
-1 x -12003131-7 x -1714733-421 x -28511-2947 x -4073
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 12,003,131, 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 | 12,003,131 | |
| -1 | -12,003,131 |
When you multiply two negative numbers together, you get a positive number. That means both the positive and negative numbers are factors of 12,003,131.
Example:
1 x 12,003,131 = 12,003,131
and
-1 x -12,003,131 = 12,003,131
Notice both answers equal 12,003,131
With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 12,003,131 and divide it by 2:
12,003,131 ÷ 2 = 6,001,565.5
If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 6,001,565.5 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 | 12,003,131 | |
| -1 | -12,003,131 |
Now, we try dividing 12,003,131 by 3:
12,003,131 ÷ 3 = 4,001,043.6667
If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 4,001,043.6667 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 | 12,003,131 | |
| -1 | -12,003,131 |
Let's try dividing by 4:
12,003,131 ÷ 4 = 3,000,782.75
If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 3,000,782.75 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 | 12,003,131 | |
| -1 | 12,003,131 |
If you did it right, you will end up with this table:
| 1 | 7 | 421 | 2,947 | 4,073 | 28,511 | 1,714,733 | 12,003,131 |
| -1 | -7 | -421 | -2,947 | -4,073 | -28,511 | -1,714,733 | -12,003,131 |
Here are some more numbers to try:
Try the factor calculator