Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 21,679?
A:
Positive:
1 x 216797 x 309719 x 1141133 x 163
Negative:
-1 x -21679-7 x -3097-19 x -1141-133 x -163
A:
Positive:
1 x 216797 x 309719 x 1141133 x 163
Negative:
-1 x -21679-7 x -3097-19 x -1141-133 x -163
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 21,679, 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 | 21,679 | |
-1 | -21,679 |
When you multiply two negative numbers together, you get a positive number. That means both the positive and negative numbers are factors of 21,679.
Example:
1 x 21,679 = 21,679
and
-1 x -21,679 = 21,679
Notice both answers equal 21,679
With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 21,679 and divide it by 2:
21,679 ÷ 2 = 10,839.5
If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 10,839.5 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 | 21,679 | |
-1 | -21,679 |
Now, we try dividing 21,679 by 3:
21,679 ÷ 3 = 7,226.3333
If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 7,226.3333 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 | 21,679 | |
-1 | -21,679 |
Let's try dividing by 4:
21,679 ÷ 4 = 5,419.75
If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 5,419.75 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 | 21,679 | |
-1 | 21,679 |
If you did it right, you will end up with this table:
1 | 7 | 19 | 133 | 163 | 1,141 | 3,097 | 21,679 |
-1 | -7 | -19 | -133 | -163 | -1,141 | -3,097 | -21,679 |
Here are some more numbers to try:
Try the factor calculator