Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 26,873?
A:
Positive:
1 x 268737 x 383911 x 244377 x 349
Negative:
-1 x -26873-7 x -3839-11 x -2443-77 x -349
A:
Positive:
1 x 268737 x 383911 x 244377 x 349
Negative:
-1 x -26873-7 x -3839-11 x -2443-77 x -349
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 26,873, 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 | 26,873 | |
-1 | -26,873 |
When you multiply two negative numbers together, you get a positive number. That means both the positive and negative numbers are factors of 26,873.
Example:
1 x 26,873 = 26,873
and
-1 x -26,873 = 26,873
Notice both answers equal 26,873
With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 26,873 and divide it by 2:
26,873 ÷ 2 = 13,436.5
If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 13,436.5 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 | 26,873 | |
-1 | -26,873 |
Now, we try dividing 26,873 by 3:
26,873 ÷ 3 = 8,957.6667
If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 8,957.6667 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 | 26,873 | |
-1 | -26,873 |
Let's try dividing by 4:
26,873 ÷ 4 = 6,718.25
If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 6,718.25 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 | 26,873 | |
-1 | 26,873 |
If you did it right, you will end up with this table:
1 | 7 | 11 | 77 | 349 | 2,443 | 3,839 | 26,873 |
-1 | -7 | -11 | -77 | -349 | -2,443 | -3,839 | -26,873 |
Here are some more numbers to try:
Try the factor calculator