Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 74,969?

 A:
Positive:   1 x 7496961 x 1229
Negative: -1 x -74969-61 x -1229


How do I find the factor combinations of the number 74,969?

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 74,969, 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 74,969
-1 -74,969

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 74,969.

Example:
1 x 74,969 = 74,969
and
-1 x -74,969 = 74,969
Notice both answers equal 74,969

With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 74,969 and divide it by 2:

74,969 ÷ 2 = 37,484.5

If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 37,484.5 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 74,969
-1 -74,969

Now, we try dividing 74,969 by 3:

74,969 ÷ 3 = 24,989.6667

If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 24,989.6667 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 74,969
-1 -74,969

Let's try dividing by 4:

74,969 ÷ 4 = 18,742.25

If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 18,742.25 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 74,969
-1 74,969
Keep dividing by the next highest number until you cannot divide anymore.

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

1611,22974,969
-1-61-1,229-74,969

More Examples

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