Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 12,396?

How do I find the factor combinations of the number 12,396?

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 12,396, 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		12,396
-1		-12,396

With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 12,396 and divide it by 2:

12,396 ÷ 2 = 6,198

If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 6,198 are factors. In this case, the quotient is a whole number. Write them in the table inside the other two factors like the below example. Don't forget to write the negative numbers too!

Here is what our table should look like at this step:

Now, we try dividing 12,396 by 3:

12,396 ÷ 3 = 4,132

If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 4,132 are factors. In this case, the quotient is a whole number. Write them in the table inside the other two factors like the below example. Don't forget to write the negative numbers too!

Here is what our table should look like at this step:

Let's try dividing by 4:

12,396 ÷ 4 = 3,099

If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 3,099 are factors. In this case, the quotient is a whole number. Write them in the table inside the other two factors like the below example. Don't forget to write the negative numbers too!

Here is what our table should look like at this step:

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

More Examples

Here are some more numbers to try:

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