Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 73,831?
A:
Positive:
1 x 7383117 x 434343 x 1717101 x 731
Negative:
-1 x -73831-17 x -4343-43 x -1717-101 x -731
A:
Positive:
1 x 7383117 x 434343 x 1717101 x 731
Negative:
-1 x -73831-17 x -4343-43 x -1717-101 x -731
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 73,831, 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 | 73,831 | |
-1 | -73,831 |
When you multiply two negative numbers together, you get a positive number. That means both the positive and negative numbers are factors of 73,831.
Example:
1 x 73,831 = 73,831
and
-1 x -73,831 = 73,831
Notice both answers equal 73,831
With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 73,831 and divide it by 2:
73,831 ÷ 2 = 36,915.5
If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 36,915.5 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 | 73,831 | |
-1 | -73,831 |
Now, we try dividing 73,831 by 3:
73,831 ÷ 3 = 24,610.3333
If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 24,610.3333 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 | 73,831 | |
-1 | -73,831 |
Let's try dividing by 4:
73,831 ÷ 4 = 18,457.75
If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 18,457.75 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 | 73,831 | |
-1 | 73,831 |
If you did it right, you will end up with this table:
1 | 17 | 43 | 101 | 731 | 1,717 | 4,343 | 73,831 |
-1 | -17 | -43 | -101 | -731 | -1,717 | -4,343 | -73,831 |
Here are some more numbers to try:
Try the factor calculator