Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 38,663?
A:
Positive:
1 x 3866323 x 168141 x 943
Negative:
-1 x -38663-23 x -1681-41 x -943
A:
Positive:
1 x 3866323 x 168141 x 943
Negative:
-1 x -38663-23 x -1681-41 x -943
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 38,663, 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 | 38,663 | |
-1 | -38,663 |
When you multiply two negative numbers together, you get a positive number. That means both the positive and negative numbers are factors of 38,663.
Example:
1 x 38,663 = 38,663
and
-1 x -38,663 = 38,663
Notice both answers equal 38,663
With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 38,663 and divide it by 2:
38,663 ÷ 2 = 19,331.5
If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 19,331.5 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 | 38,663 | |
-1 | -38,663 |
Now, we try dividing 38,663 by 3:
38,663 ÷ 3 = 12,887.6667
If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 12,887.6667 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 | 38,663 | |
-1 | -38,663 |
Let's try dividing by 4:
38,663 ÷ 4 = 9,665.75
If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 9,665.75 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 | 38,663 | |
-1 | 38,663 |
If you did it right, you will end up with this table:
1 | 23 | 41 | 943 | 1,681 | 38,663 |
-1 | -23 | -41 | -943 | -1,681 | -38,663 |
Here are some more numbers to try:
Try the factor calculator