Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 61,721?
A:
Positive:
1 x 6172111 x 561131 x 1991181 x 341
Negative:
-1 x -61721-11 x -5611-31 x -1991-181 x -341
A:
Positive:
1 x 6172111 x 561131 x 1991181 x 341
Negative:
-1 x -61721-11 x -5611-31 x -1991-181 x -341
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 61,721, 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 | 61,721 | |
-1 | -61,721 |
When you multiply two negative numbers together, you get a positive number. That means both the positive and negative numbers are factors of 61,721.
Example:
1 x 61,721 = 61,721
and
-1 x -61,721 = 61,721
Notice both answers equal 61,721
With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 61,721 and divide it by 2:
61,721 ÷ 2 = 30,860.5
If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 30,860.5 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 | 61,721 | |
-1 | -61,721 |
Now, we try dividing 61,721 by 3:
61,721 ÷ 3 = 20,573.6667
If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 20,573.6667 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 | 61,721 | |
-1 | -61,721 |
Let's try dividing by 4:
61,721 ÷ 4 = 15,430.25
If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 15,430.25 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 | 61,721 | |
-1 | 61,721 |
If you did it right, you will end up with this table:
1 | 11 | 31 | 181 | 341 | 1,991 | 5,611 | 61,721 |
-1 | -11 | -31 | -181 | -341 | -1,991 | -5,611 | -61,721 |
Here are some more numbers to try:
Try the factor calculator