Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 29,081?

 A:
Positive:   1 x 2908113 x 2237
Negative: -1 x -29081-13 x -2237


How do I find the factor combinations of the number 29,081?

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 29,081, 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 29,081
-1 -29,081

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 29,081.

Example:
1 x 29,081 = 29,081
and
-1 x -29,081 = 29,081
Notice both answers equal 29,081

With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 29,081 and divide it by 2:

29,081 ÷ 2 = 14,540.5

If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 14,540.5 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 29,081
-1 -29,081

Now, we try dividing 29,081 by 3:

29,081 ÷ 3 = 9,693.6667

If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 9,693.6667 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 29,081
-1 -29,081

Let's try dividing by 4:

29,081 ÷ 4 = 7,270.25

If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 7,270.25 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 29,081
-1 29,081
Keep dividing by the next highest number until you cannot divide anymore.

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

1132,23729,081
-1-13-2,237-29,081

More Examples

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