Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 38,473?
A:
Positive:
1 x 3847379 x 487
Negative:
-1 x -38473-79 x -487
A:
Positive:
1 x 3847379 x 487
Negative:
-1 x -38473-79 x -487
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 38,473, 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 | 38,473 | |
-1 | -38,473 |
When you multiply two negative numbers together, you get a positive number. That means both the positive and negative numbers are factors of 38,473.
Example:
1 x 38,473 = 38,473
and
-1 x -38,473 = 38,473
Notice both answers equal 38,473
With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 38,473 and divide it by 2:
38,473 ÷ 2 = 19,236.5
If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 19,236.5 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 | 38,473 | |
-1 | -38,473 |
Now, we try dividing 38,473 by 3:
38,473 ÷ 3 = 12,824.3333
If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 12,824.3333 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 | 38,473 | |
-1 | -38,473 |
Let's try dividing by 4:
38,473 ÷ 4 = 9,618.25
If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 9,618.25 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 | 38,473 | |
-1 | 38,473 |
If you did it right, you will end up with this table:
1 | 79 | 487 | 38,473 |
-1 | -79 | -487 | -38,473 |
Here are some more numbers to try:
Try the factor calculator