Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 123,943?
A:
Positive:
1 x 12394341 x 3023
Negative:
-1 x -123943-41 x -3023
A:
Positive:
1 x 12394341 x 3023
Negative:
-1 x -123943-41 x -3023
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 123,943, 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 | 123,943 | |
-1 | -123,943 |
When you multiply two negative numbers together, you get a positive number. That means both the positive and negative numbers are factors of 123,943.
Example:
1 x 123,943 = 123,943
and
-1 x -123,943 = 123,943
Notice both answers equal 123,943
With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 123,943 and divide it by 2:
123,943 ÷ 2 = 61,971.5
If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 61,971.5 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 | 123,943 | |
-1 | -123,943 |
Now, we try dividing 123,943 by 3:
123,943 ÷ 3 = 41,314.3333
If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 41,314.3333 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 | 123,943 | |
-1 | -123,943 |
Let's try dividing by 4:
123,943 ÷ 4 = 30,985.75
If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 30,985.75 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 | 123,943 | |
-1 | 123,943 |
If you did it right, you will end up with this table:
1 | 41 | 3,023 | 123,943 |
-1 | -41 | -3,023 | -123,943 |
Here are some more numbers to try:
Try the factor calculator