Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 82,909?

 A:
Positive:   1 x 8290917 x 4877
Negative: -1 x -82909-17 x -4877


How do I find the factor combinations of the number 82,909?

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 82,909, 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 82,909
-1 -82,909

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 82,909.

Example:
1 x 82,909 = 82,909
and
-1 x -82,909 = 82,909
Notice both answers equal 82,909

With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 82,909 and divide it by 2:

82,909 ÷ 2 = 41,454.5

If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 41,454.5 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 82,909
-1 -82,909

Now, we try dividing 82,909 by 3:

82,909 ÷ 3 = 27,636.3333

If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 27,636.3333 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 82,909
-1 -82,909

Let's try dividing by 4:

82,909 ÷ 4 = 20,727.25

If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 20,727.25 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 82,909
-1 82,909
Keep dividing by the next highest number until you cannot divide anymore.

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

1174,87782,909
-1-17-4,877-82,909

More Examples

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