Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 123,799?

 A:
Positive:   1 x 12379913 x 952389 x 1391107 x 1157
Negative: -1 x -123799-13 x -9523-89 x -1391-107 x -1157


How do I find the factor combinations of the number 123,799?

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 123,799, 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.

1 123,799
-1 -123,799

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 123,799.

Example:
1 x 123,799 = 123,799
and
-1 x -123,799 = 123,799
Notice both answers equal 123,799

With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 123,799 and divide it by 2:

123,799 ÷ 2 = 61,899.5

If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 61,899.5 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:

1 123,799
-1 -123,799

Now, we try dividing 123,799 by 3:

123,799 ÷ 3 = 41,266.3333

If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 41,266.3333 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:

1 123,799
-1 -123,799

Let's try dividing by 4:

123,799 ÷ 4 = 30,949.75

If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 30,949.75 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:

1 123,799
-1 123,799
Keep dividing by the next highest number until you cannot divide anymore.

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

113891071,1571,3919,523123,799
-1-13-89-107-1,157-1,391-9,523-123,799

More Examples

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