Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 72,631?
A:
Positive:
1 x 7263113 x 558737 x 1963151 x 481
Negative:
-1 x -72631-13 x -5587-37 x -1963-151 x -481
A:
Positive:
1 x 7263113 x 558737 x 1963151 x 481
Negative:
-1 x -72631-13 x -5587-37 x -1963-151 x -481
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 72,631, 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 | 72,631 | |
-1 | -72,631 |
When you multiply two negative numbers together, you get a positive number. That means both the positive and negative numbers are factors of 72,631.
Example:
1 x 72,631 = 72,631
and
-1 x -72,631 = 72,631
Notice both answers equal 72,631
With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 72,631 and divide it by 2:
72,631 ÷ 2 = 36,315.5
If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 36,315.5 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 | 72,631 | |
-1 | -72,631 |
Now, we try dividing 72,631 by 3:
72,631 ÷ 3 = 24,210.3333
If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 24,210.3333 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 | 72,631 | |
-1 | -72,631 |
Let's try dividing by 4:
72,631 ÷ 4 = 18,157.75
If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 18,157.75 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 | 72,631 | |
-1 | 72,631 |
If you did it right, you will end up with this table:
1 | 13 | 37 | 151 | 481 | 1,963 | 5,587 | 72,631 |
-1 | -13 | -37 | -151 | -481 | -1,963 | -5,587 | -72,631 |
Here are some more numbers to try:
Try the factor calculator