Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 33,868?

 A:
Positive:   1 x 338682 x 169344 x 8467
Negative: -1 x -33868-2 x -16934-4 x -8467


How do I find the factor combinations of the number 33,868?

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 33,868, 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 33,868
-1 -33,868

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 33,868.

Example:
1 x 33,868 = 33,868
and
-1 x -33,868 = 33,868
Notice both answers equal 33,868

With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 33,868 and divide it by 2:

33,868 ÷ 2 = 16,934

If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 16,934 are factors. In this case, the quotient is a whole number. Write them in the table inside the other two factors like the below example. Don't forget to write the negative numbers too!

Here is what our table should look like at this step:

1 2 16,934 33,868
-1 -2 -16,934 -33,868

Now, we try dividing 33,868 by 3:

33,868 ÷ 3 = 11,289.3333

If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 11,289.3333 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 2 16,934 33,868
-1 -2 -16,934 -33,868

Let's try dividing by 4:

33,868 ÷ 4 = 8,467

If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 8,467 are factors. In this case, the quotient is a whole number. Write them in the table inside the other two factors like the below example. Don't forget to write the negative numbers too!

Here is what our table should look like at this step:

1 2 4 8,467 16,934 33,868
-1 -2 -4 -8,467 -16,934 33,868
Keep dividing by the next highest number until you cannot divide anymore.

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

1248,46716,93433,868
-1-2-4-8,467-16,934-33,868

More Examples

Here are some more numbers to try:

Try the factor calculator

Explore more about the number 33,868:


Ask a Question