Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 123,571?

 A:
Positive:   1 x 1235717 x 17653127 x 973139 x 889
Negative: -1 x -123571-7 x -17653-127 x -973-139 x -889


How do I find the factor combinations of the number 123,571?

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 123,571, 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.

1 123,571
-1 -123,571

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 123,571.

Example:
1 x 123,571 = 123,571
and
-1 x -123,571 = 123,571
Notice both answers equal 123,571

With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 123,571 and divide it by 2:

123,571 ÷ 2 = 61,785.5

If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 61,785.5 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:

1 123,571
-1 -123,571

Now, we try dividing 123,571 by 3:

123,571 ÷ 3 = 41,190.3333

If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 41,190.3333 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:

1 123,571
-1 -123,571

Let's try dividing by 4:

123,571 ÷ 4 = 30,892.75

If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 30,892.75 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:

1 123,571
-1 123,571
Keep dividing by the next highest number until you cannot divide anymore.

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

1712713988997317,653123,571
-1-7-127-139-889-973-17,653-123,571

More Examples

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