Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 12,971,953?
A:
Positive:
1 x 1297195347 x 275999
Negative:
-1 x -12971953-47 x -275999
A:
Positive:
1 x 1297195347 x 275999
Negative:
-1 x -12971953-47 x -275999
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 12,971,953, 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 | 12,971,953 | |
-1 | -12,971,953 |
When you multiply two negative numbers together, you get a positive number. That means both the positive and negative numbers are factors of 12,971,953.
Example:
1 x 12,971,953 = 12,971,953
and
-1 x -12,971,953 = 12,971,953
Notice both answers equal 12,971,953
With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 12,971,953 and divide it by 2:
12,971,953 ÷ 2 = 6,485,976.5
If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 6,485,976.5 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 | 12,971,953 | |
-1 | -12,971,953 |
Now, we try dividing 12,971,953 by 3:
12,971,953 ÷ 3 = 4,323,984.3333
If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 4,323,984.3333 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 | 12,971,953 | |
-1 | -12,971,953 |
Let's try dividing by 4:
12,971,953 ÷ 4 = 3,242,988.25
If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 3,242,988.25 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 | 12,971,953 | |
-1 | 12,971,953 |
If you did it right, you will end up with this table:
1 | 47 | 275,999 | 12,971,953 |
-1 | -47 | -275,999 | -12,971,953 |
Here are some more numbers to try:
Try the factor calculator