Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 42,287?
A:
Positive:
1 x 422877 x 604149 x 863
Negative:
-1 x -42287-7 x -6041-49 x -863
A:
Positive:
1 x 422877 x 604149 x 863
Negative:
-1 x -42287-7 x -6041-49 x -863
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 42,287, 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 | 42,287 | |
-1 | -42,287 |
When you multiply two negative numbers together, you get a positive number. That means both the positive and negative numbers are factors of 42,287.
Example:
1 x 42,287 = 42,287
and
-1 x -42,287 = 42,287
Notice both answers equal 42,287
With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 42,287 and divide it by 2:
42,287 ÷ 2 = 21,143.5
If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 21,143.5 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 | 42,287 | |
-1 | -42,287 |
Now, we try dividing 42,287 by 3:
42,287 ÷ 3 = 14,095.6667
If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 14,095.6667 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 | 42,287 | |
-1 | -42,287 |
Let's try dividing by 4:
42,287 ÷ 4 = 10,571.75
If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 10,571.75 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 | 42,287 | |
-1 | 42,287 |
If you did it right, you will end up with this table:
1 | 7 | 49 | 863 | 6,041 | 42,287 |
-1 | -7 | -49 | -863 | -6,041 | -42,287 |
Here are some more numbers to try:
Try the factor calculator