Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 42,761?
A:
Positive:
1 x 4276161 x 701
Negative:
-1 x -42761-61 x -701
A:
Positive:
1 x 4276161 x 701
Negative:
-1 x -42761-61 x -701
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 42,761, 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 | 42,761 | |
-1 | -42,761 |
When you multiply two negative numbers together, you get a positive number. That means both the positive and negative numbers are factors of 42,761.
Example:
1 x 42,761 = 42,761
and
-1 x -42,761 = 42,761
Notice both answers equal 42,761
With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 42,761 and divide it by 2:
42,761 ÷ 2 = 21,380.5
If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 21,380.5 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 | 42,761 | |
-1 | -42,761 |
Now, we try dividing 42,761 by 3:
42,761 ÷ 3 = 14,253.6667
If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 14,253.6667 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 | 42,761 | |
-1 | -42,761 |
Let's try dividing by 4:
42,761 ÷ 4 = 10,690.25
If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 10,690.25 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 | 42,761 | |
-1 | 42,761 |
If you did it right, you will end up with this table:
1 | 61 | 701 | 42,761 |
-1 | -61 | -701 | -42,761 |
Here are some more numbers to try:
Try the factor calculator