Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 62,291?

 A:
Positive:   1 x 62291167 x 373
Negative: -1 x -62291-167 x -373


How do I find the factor combinations of the number 62,291?

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 62,291, 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 62,291
-1 -62,291

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 62,291.

Example:
1 x 62,291 = 62,291
and
-1 x -62,291 = 62,291
Notice both answers equal 62,291

With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 62,291 and divide it by 2:

62,291 ÷ 2 = 31,145.5

If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 31,145.5 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 62,291
-1 -62,291

Now, we try dividing 62,291 by 3:

62,291 ÷ 3 = 20,763.6667

If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 20,763.6667 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 62,291
-1 -62,291

Let's try dividing by 4:

62,291 ÷ 4 = 15,572.75

If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 15,572.75 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 62,291
-1 62,291
Keep dividing by the next highest number until you cannot divide anymore.

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

116737362,291
-1-167-373-62,291

More Examples

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