Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 73,841?
A:
Positive:
1 x 7384141 x 1801
Negative:
-1 x -73841-41 x -1801
A:
Positive:
1 x 7384141 x 1801
Negative:
-1 x -73841-41 x -1801
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 73,841, 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 | 73,841 | |
-1 | -73,841 |
When you multiply two negative numbers together, you get a positive number. That means both the positive and negative numbers are factors of 73,841.
Example:
1 x 73,841 = 73,841
and
-1 x -73,841 = 73,841
Notice both answers equal 73,841
With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 73,841 and divide it by 2:
73,841 ÷ 2 = 36,920.5
If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 36,920.5 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 | 73,841 | |
-1 | -73,841 |
Now, we try dividing 73,841 by 3:
73,841 ÷ 3 = 24,613.6667
If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 24,613.6667 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 | 73,841 | |
-1 | -73,841 |
Let's try dividing by 4:
73,841 ÷ 4 = 18,460.25
If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 18,460.25 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 | 73,841 | |
-1 | 73,841 |
If you did it right, you will end up with this table:
1 | 41 | 1,801 | 73,841 |
-1 | -41 | -1,801 | -73,841 |
Here are some more numbers to try:
Try the factor calculator