Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 60,877?

 A:
Positive:   1 x 6087717 x 3581
Negative: -1 x -60877-17 x -3581


How do I find the factor combinations of the number 60,877?

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 60,877, it is easier to work with a table - it's called factoring from the outside in.

Outside in Factoring

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 60,877
-1 -60,877

Why are the negative numbers included?

When you multiply two negative numbers together, you get a positive number. That means both the positive and negative numbers are factors of 60,877.

Example:
1 x 60,877 = 60,877
and
-1 x -60,877 = 60,877
Notice both answers equal 60,877

With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 60,877 and divide it by 2:

60,877 ÷ 2 = 30,438.5

If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 30,438.5 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 60,877
-1 -60,877

Now, we try dividing 60,877 by 3:

60,877 ÷ 3 = 20,292.3333

If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 20,292.3333 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 60,877
-1 -60,877

Let's try dividing by 4:

60,877 ÷ 4 = 15,219.25

If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 15,219.25 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 60,877
-1 60,877
Keep dividing by the next highest number until you cannot divide anymore.

If you did it right, you will end up with this table:

1173,58160,877
-1-17-3,581-60,877

More Examples

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