Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 203,837?

 A:
Positive:   1 x 203837103 x 1979
Negative: -1 x -203837-103 x -1979


How do I find the factor combinations of the number 203,837?

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 203,837, 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.

1 203,837
-1 -203,837

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 203,837.

Example:
1 x 203,837 = 203,837
and
-1 x -203,837 = 203,837
Notice both answers equal 203,837

With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 203,837 and divide it by 2:

203,837 ÷ 2 = 101,918.5

If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 101,918.5 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:

1 203,837
-1 -203,837

Now, we try dividing 203,837 by 3:

203,837 ÷ 3 = 67,945.6667

If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 67,945.6667 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:

1 203,837
-1 -203,837

Let's try dividing by 4:

203,837 ÷ 4 = 50,959.25

If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 50,959.25 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:

1 203,837
-1 203,837
Keep dividing by the next highest number until you cannot divide anymore.

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

11031,979203,837
-1-103-1,979-203,837

More Examples

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