Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 81,731?
A:
Positive:
1 x 8173113 x 6287
Negative:
-1 x -81731-13 x -6287
A:
Positive:
1 x 8173113 x 6287
Negative:
-1 x -81731-13 x -6287
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 81,731, 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 | 81,731 | |
-1 | -81,731 |
When you multiply two negative numbers together, you get a positive number. That means both the positive and negative numbers are factors of 81,731.
Example:
1 x 81,731 = 81,731
and
-1 x -81,731 = 81,731
Notice both answers equal 81,731
With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 81,731 and divide it by 2:
81,731 ÷ 2 = 40,865.5
If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 40,865.5 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 | 81,731 | |
-1 | -81,731 |
Now, we try dividing 81,731 by 3:
81,731 ÷ 3 = 27,243.6667
If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 27,243.6667 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 | 81,731 | |
-1 | -81,731 |
Let's try dividing by 4:
81,731 ÷ 4 = 20,432.75
If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 20,432.75 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 | 81,731 | |
-1 | 81,731 |
If you did it right, you will end up with this table:
1 | 13 | 6,287 | 81,731 |
-1 | -13 | -6,287 | -81,731 |
Here are some more numbers to try:
Try the factor calculator