Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 23,821?
A:
Positive:
1 x 238217 x 340341 x 58183 x 287
Negative:
-1 x -23821-7 x -3403-41 x -581-83 x -287
A:
Positive:
1 x 238217 x 340341 x 58183 x 287
Negative:
-1 x -23821-7 x -3403-41 x -581-83 x -287
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 23,821, 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 | 23,821 | |
-1 | -23,821 |
When you multiply two negative numbers together, you get a positive number. That means both the positive and negative numbers are factors of 23,821.
Example:
1 x 23,821 = 23,821
and
-1 x -23,821 = 23,821
Notice both answers equal 23,821
With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 23,821 and divide it by 2:
23,821 ÷ 2 = 11,910.5
If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 11,910.5 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 | 23,821 | |
-1 | -23,821 |
Now, we try dividing 23,821 by 3:
23,821 ÷ 3 = 7,940.3333
If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 7,940.3333 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 | 23,821 | |
-1 | -23,821 |
Let's try dividing by 4:
23,821 ÷ 4 = 5,955.25
If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 5,955.25 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 | 23,821 | |
-1 | 23,821 |
If you did it right, you will end up with this table:
1 | 7 | 41 | 83 | 287 | 581 | 3,403 | 23,821 |
-1 | -7 | -41 | -83 | -287 | -581 | -3,403 | -23,821 |
Here are some more numbers to try:
Try the factor calculator