Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 70,231?
A:
Positive:
1 x 702317 x 1003379 x 889127 x 553
Negative:
-1 x -70231-7 x -10033-79 x -889-127 x -553
A:
Positive:
1 x 702317 x 1003379 x 889127 x 553
Negative:
-1 x -70231-7 x -10033-79 x -889-127 x -553
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 70,231, 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 | 70,231 | |
-1 | -70,231 |
When you multiply two negative numbers together, you get a positive number. That means both the positive and negative numbers are factors of 70,231.
Example:
1 x 70,231 = 70,231
and
-1 x -70,231 = 70,231
Notice both answers equal 70,231
With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 70,231 and divide it by 2:
70,231 ÷ 2 = 35,115.5
If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 35,115.5 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 | 70,231 | |
-1 | -70,231 |
Now, we try dividing 70,231 by 3:
70,231 ÷ 3 = 23,410.3333
If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 23,410.3333 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 | 70,231 | |
-1 | -70,231 |
Let's try dividing by 4:
70,231 ÷ 4 = 17,557.75
If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 17,557.75 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 | 70,231 | |
-1 | 70,231 |
If you did it right, you will end up with this table:
1 | 7 | 79 | 127 | 553 | 889 | 10,033 | 70,231 |
-1 | -7 | -79 | -127 | -553 | -889 | -10,033 | -70,231 |
Here are some more numbers to try:
Try the factor calculator