Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 123,797?
A:
Positive:
1 x 12379743 x 2879
Negative:
-1 x -123797-43 x -2879
A:
Positive:
1 x 12379743 x 2879
Negative:
-1 x -123797-43 x -2879
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 123,797, 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 | 123,797 | |
-1 | -123,797 |
When you multiply two negative numbers together, you get a positive number. That means both the positive and negative numbers are factors of 123,797.
Example:
1 x 123,797 = 123,797
and
-1 x -123,797 = 123,797
Notice both answers equal 123,797
With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 123,797 and divide it by 2:
123,797 ÷ 2 = 61,898.5
If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 61,898.5 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 | 123,797 | |
-1 | -123,797 |
Now, we try dividing 123,797 by 3:
123,797 ÷ 3 = 41,265.6667
If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 41,265.6667 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 | 123,797 | |
-1 | -123,797 |
Let's try dividing by 4:
123,797 ÷ 4 = 30,949.25
If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 30,949.25 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 | 123,797 | |
-1 | 123,797 |
If you did it right, you will end up with this table:
1 | 43 | 2,879 | 123,797 |
-1 | -43 | -2,879 | -123,797 |
Here are some more numbers to try:
Try the factor calculator