Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 131,383?
A:
Positive:
1 x 1313837 x 18769137 x 959
Negative:
-1 x -131383-7 x -18769-137 x -959
A:
Positive:
1 x 1313837 x 18769137 x 959
Negative:
-1 x -131383-7 x -18769-137 x -959
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 131,383, 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 | 131,383 | |
-1 | -131,383 |
When you multiply two negative numbers together, you get a positive number. That means both the positive and negative numbers are factors of 131,383.
Example:
1 x 131,383 = 131,383
and
-1 x -131,383 = 131,383
Notice both answers equal 131,383
With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 131,383 and divide it by 2:
131,383 ÷ 2 = 65,691.5
If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 65,691.5 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 | 131,383 | |
-1 | -131,383 |
Now, we try dividing 131,383 by 3:
131,383 ÷ 3 = 43,794.3333
If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 43,794.3333 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 | 131,383 | |
-1 | -131,383 |
Let's try dividing by 4:
131,383 ÷ 4 = 32,845.75
If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 32,845.75 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 | 131,383 | |
-1 | 131,383 |
If you did it right, you will end up with this table:
1 | 7 | 137 | 959 | 18,769 | 131,383 |
-1 | -7 | -137 | -959 | -18,769 | -131,383 |
Here are some more numbers to try:
Try the factor calculator