Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 122,917?
A:
Positive:
1 x 122917101 x 1217
Negative:
-1 x -122917-101 x -1217
A:
Positive:
1 x 122917101 x 1217
Negative:
-1 x -122917-101 x -1217
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 122,917, 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 | 122,917 | |
-1 | -122,917 |
When you multiply two negative numbers together, you get a positive number. That means both the positive and negative numbers are factors of 122,917.
Example:
1 x 122,917 = 122,917
and
-1 x -122,917 = 122,917
Notice both answers equal 122,917
With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 122,917 and divide it by 2:
122,917 ÷ 2 = 61,458.5
If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 61,458.5 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 | 122,917 | |
-1 | -122,917 |
Now, we try dividing 122,917 by 3:
122,917 ÷ 3 = 40,972.3333
If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 40,972.3333 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 | 122,917 | |
-1 | -122,917 |
Let's try dividing by 4:
122,917 ÷ 4 = 30,729.25
If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 30,729.25 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 | 122,917 | |
-1 | 122,917 |
If you did it right, you will end up with this table:
1 | 101 | 1,217 | 122,917 |
-1 | -101 | -1,217 | -122,917 |
Here are some more numbers to try:
Try the factor calculator