Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 12,162,638?

 A:
Positive:   1 x 121626382 x 6081319
Negative: -1 x -12162638-2 x -6081319


How do I find the factor combinations of the number 12,162,638?

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 12,162,638, 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 12,162,638
-1 -12,162,638

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 12,162,638.

Example:
1 x 12,162,638 = 12,162,638
and
-1 x -12,162,638 = 12,162,638
Notice both answers equal 12,162,638

With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 12,162,638 and divide it by 2:

12,162,638 ÷ 2 = 6,081,319

If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 6,081,319 are factors. In this case, the quotient is a whole number. Write them in the table inside the other two factors like the below example. Don't forget to write the negative numbers too!

Here is what our table should look like at this step:

1 2 6,081,319 12,162,638
-1 -2 -6,081,319 -12,162,638

Now, we try dividing 12,162,638 by 3:

12,162,638 ÷ 3 = 4,054,212.6667

If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 4,054,212.6667 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 2 6,081,319 12,162,638
-1 -2 -6,081,319 -12,162,638

Let's try dividing by 4:

12,162,638 ÷ 4 = 3,040,659.5

If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 3,040,659.5 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 2 6,081,319 12,162,638
-1 -2 -6,081,319 12,162,638
Keep dividing by the next highest number until you cannot divide anymore.

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

126,081,31912,162,638
-1-2-6,081,319-12,162,638

More Examples

Here are some more numbers to try:

Try the factor calculator

Explore more about the number 12,162,638:


Ask a Question