Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 30,737?

 A:
Positive:   1 x 307377 x 4391
Negative: -1 x -30737-7 x -4391


How do I find the factor combinations of the number 30,737?

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 30,737, 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 30,737
-1 -30,737

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 30,737.

Example:
1 x 30,737 = 30,737
and
-1 x -30,737 = 30,737
Notice both answers equal 30,737

With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 30,737 and divide it by 2:

30,737 ÷ 2 = 15,368.5

If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 15,368.5 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 30,737
-1 -30,737

Now, we try dividing 30,737 by 3:

30,737 ÷ 3 = 10,245.6667

If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 10,245.6667 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 30,737
-1 -30,737

Let's try dividing by 4:

30,737 ÷ 4 = 7,684.25

If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 7,684.25 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 30,737
-1 30,737
Keep dividing by the next highest number until you cannot divide anymore.

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

174,39130,737
-1-7-4,391-30,737

More Examples

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