Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 120,385?

 A:
Positive:   1 x 1203855 x 24077
Negative: -1 x -120385-5 x -24077


How do I find the factor combinations of the number 120,385?

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 120,385, 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.

1 120,385
-1 -120,385

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 120,385.

Example:
1 x 120,385 = 120,385
and
-1 x -120,385 = 120,385
Notice both answers equal 120,385

With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 120,385 and divide it by 2:

120,385 ÷ 2 = 60,192.5

If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 60,192.5 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:

1 120,385
-1 -120,385

Now, we try dividing 120,385 by 3:

120,385 ÷ 3 = 40,128.3333

If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 40,128.3333 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:

1 120,385
-1 -120,385

Let's try dividing by 4:

120,385 ÷ 4 = 30,096.25

If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 30,096.25 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:

1 120,385
-1 120,385
Keep dividing by the next highest number until you cannot divide anymore.

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

1524,077120,385
-1-5-24,077-120,385

More Examples

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