Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 121,703?
A:
Positive:
1 x 12170317 x 7159
Negative:
-1 x -121703-17 x -7159
A:
Positive:
1 x 12170317 x 7159
Negative:
-1 x -121703-17 x -7159
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 121,703, 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 | 121,703 | |
-1 | -121,703 |
When you multiply two negative numbers together, you get a positive number. That means both the positive and negative numbers are factors of 121,703.
Example:
1 x 121,703 = 121,703
and
-1 x -121,703 = 121,703
Notice both answers equal 121,703
With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 121,703 and divide it by 2:
121,703 ÷ 2 = 60,851.5
If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 60,851.5 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 | 121,703 | |
-1 | -121,703 |
Now, we try dividing 121,703 by 3:
121,703 ÷ 3 = 40,567.6667
If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 40,567.6667 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 | 121,703 | |
-1 | -121,703 |
Let's try dividing by 4:
121,703 ÷ 4 = 30,425.75
If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 30,425.75 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 | 121,703 | |
-1 | 121,703 |
If you did it right, you will end up with this table:
1 | 17 | 7,159 | 121,703 |
-1 | -17 | -7,159 | -121,703 |
Here are some more numbers to try:
Try the factor calculator