Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 76,891?
A:
Positive:
1 x 7689117 x 4523
Negative:
-1 x -76891-17 x -4523
A:
Positive:
1 x 7689117 x 4523
Negative:
-1 x -76891-17 x -4523
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 76,891, 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 | 76,891 | |
-1 | -76,891 |
When you multiply two negative numbers together, you get a positive number. That means both the positive and negative numbers are factors of 76,891.
Example:
1 x 76,891 = 76,891
and
-1 x -76,891 = 76,891
Notice both answers equal 76,891
With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 76,891 and divide it by 2:
76,891 ÷ 2 = 38,445.5
If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 38,445.5 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 | 76,891 | |
-1 | -76,891 |
Now, we try dividing 76,891 by 3:
76,891 ÷ 3 = 25,630.3333
If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 25,630.3333 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 | 76,891 | |
-1 | -76,891 |
Let's try dividing by 4:
76,891 ÷ 4 = 19,222.75
If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 19,222.75 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 | 76,891 | |
-1 | 76,891 |
If you did it right, you will end up with this table:
1 | 17 | 4,523 | 76,891 |
-1 | -17 | -4,523 | -76,891 |
Here are some more numbers to try:
Try the factor calculator