Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 42,781?
A:
Positive:
1 x 42781179 x 239
Negative:
-1 x -42781-179 x -239
A:
Positive:
1 x 42781179 x 239
Negative:
-1 x -42781-179 x -239
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 42,781, 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 | 42,781 | |
-1 | -42,781 |
When you multiply two negative numbers together, you get a positive number. That means both the positive and negative numbers are factors of 42,781.
Example:
1 x 42,781 = 42,781
and
-1 x -42,781 = 42,781
Notice both answers equal 42,781
With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 42,781 and divide it by 2:
42,781 ÷ 2 = 21,390.5
If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 21,390.5 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 | 42,781 | |
-1 | -42,781 |
Now, we try dividing 42,781 by 3:
42,781 ÷ 3 = 14,260.3333
If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 14,260.3333 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 | 42,781 | |
-1 | -42,781 |
Let's try dividing by 4:
42,781 ÷ 4 = 10,695.25
If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 10,695.25 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 | 42,781 | |
-1 | 42,781 |
If you did it right, you will end up with this table:
1 | 179 | 239 | 42,781 |
-1 | -179 | -239 | -42,781 |
Here are some more numbers to try:
Try the factor calculator