Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 18,611?

 A:
Positive:   1 x 1861137 x 503
Negative: -1 x -18611-37 x -503


How do I find the factor combinations of the number 18,611?

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 18,611, 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 18,611
-1 -18,611

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 18,611.

Example:
1 x 18,611 = 18,611
and
-1 x -18,611 = 18,611
Notice both answers equal 18,611

With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 18,611 and divide it by 2:

18,611 ÷ 2 = 9,305.5

If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 9,305.5 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 18,611
-1 -18,611

Now, we try dividing 18,611 by 3:

18,611 ÷ 3 = 6,203.6667

If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 6,203.6667 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 18,611
-1 -18,611

Let's try dividing by 4:

18,611 ÷ 4 = 4,652.75

If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 4,652.75 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 18,611
-1 18,611
Keep dividing by the next highest number until you cannot divide anymore.

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

13750318,611
-1-37-503-18,611

More Examples

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