Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 36,281?
A:
Positive:
1 x 362817 x 518371 x 51173 x 497
Negative:
-1 x -36281-7 x -5183-71 x -511-73 x -497
A:
Positive:
1 x 362817 x 518371 x 51173 x 497
Negative:
-1 x -36281-7 x -5183-71 x -511-73 x -497
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 36,281, 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 | 36,281 | |
-1 | -36,281 |
When you multiply two negative numbers together, you get a positive number. That means both the positive and negative numbers are factors of 36,281.
Example:
1 x 36,281 = 36,281
and
-1 x -36,281 = 36,281
Notice both answers equal 36,281
With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 36,281 and divide it by 2:
36,281 ÷ 2 = 18,140.5
If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 18,140.5 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 | 36,281 | |
-1 | -36,281 |
Now, we try dividing 36,281 by 3:
36,281 ÷ 3 = 12,093.6667
If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 12,093.6667 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 | 36,281 | |
-1 | -36,281 |
Let's try dividing by 4:
36,281 ÷ 4 = 9,070.25
If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 9,070.25 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 | 36,281 | |
-1 | 36,281 |
If you did it right, you will end up with this table:
1 | 7 | 71 | 73 | 497 | 511 | 5,183 | 36,281 |
-1 | -7 | -71 | -73 | -497 | -511 | -5,183 | -36,281 |
Here are some more numbers to try:
Try the factor calculator