Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 122,851?
A:
Positive:
1 x 12285143 x 2857
Negative:
-1 x -122851-43 x -2857
A:
Positive:
1 x 12285143 x 2857
Negative:
-1 x -122851-43 x -2857
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 122,851, 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 | 122,851 | |
-1 | -122,851 |
When you multiply two negative numbers together, you get a positive number. That means both the positive and negative numbers are factors of 122,851.
Example:
1 x 122,851 = 122,851
and
-1 x -122,851 = 122,851
Notice both answers equal 122,851
With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 122,851 and divide it by 2:
122,851 ÷ 2 = 61,425.5
If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 61,425.5 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 | 122,851 | |
-1 | -122,851 |
Now, we try dividing 122,851 by 3:
122,851 ÷ 3 = 40,950.3333
If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 40,950.3333 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 | 122,851 | |
-1 | -122,851 |
Let's try dividing by 4:
122,851 ÷ 4 = 30,712.75
If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 30,712.75 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 | 122,851 | |
-1 | 122,851 |
If you did it right, you will end up with this table:
1 | 43 | 2,857 | 122,851 |
-1 | -43 | -2,857 | -122,851 |
Here are some more numbers to try:
Try the factor calculator