Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 74,135?

 A:
Positive:   1 x 741355 x 14827
Negative: -1 x -74135-5 x -14827


How do I find the factor combinations of the number 74,135?

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 74,135, 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 74,135
-1 -74,135

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 74,135.

Example:
1 x 74,135 = 74,135
and
-1 x -74,135 = 74,135
Notice both answers equal 74,135

With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 74,135 and divide it by 2:

74,135 ÷ 2 = 37,067.5

If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 37,067.5 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 74,135
-1 -74,135

Now, we try dividing 74,135 by 3:

74,135 ÷ 3 = 24,711.6667

If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 24,711.6667 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 74,135
-1 -74,135

Let's try dividing by 4:

74,135 ÷ 4 = 18,533.75

If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 18,533.75 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 74,135
-1 74,135
Keep dividing by the next highest number until you cannot divide anymore.

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

1514,82774,135
-1-5-14,827-74,135

More Examples

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