Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 123,029?
A:
Positive:
1 x 12302917 x 7237
Negative:
-1 x -123029-17 x -7237
A:
Positive:
1 x 12302917 x 7237
Negative:
-1 x -123029-17 x -7237
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 123,029, 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 | 123,029 | |
-1 | -123,029 |
When you multiply two negative numbers together, you get a positive number. That means both the positive and negative numbers are factors of 123,029.
Example:
1 x 123,029 = 123,029
and
-1 x -123,029 = 123,029
Notice both answers equal 123,029
With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 123,029 and divide it by 2:
123,029 ÷ 2 = 61,514.5
If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 61,514.5 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 | 123,029 | |
-1 | -123,029 |
Now, we try dividing 123,029 by 3:
123,029 ÷ 3 = 41,009.6667
If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 41,009.6667 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 | 123,029 | |
-1 | -123,029 |
Let's try dividing by 4:
123,029 ÷ 4 = 30,757.25
If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 30,757.25 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 | 123,029 | |
-1 | 123,029 |
If you did it right, you will end up with this table:
1 | 17 | 7,237 | 123,029 |
-1 | -17 | -7,237 | -123,029 |
Here are some more numbers to try:
Try the factor calculator