Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 82,931?

 A:
Positive:   1 x 82931127 x 653
Negative: -1 x -82931-127 x -653


How do I find the factor combinations of the number 82,931?

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 82,931, 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 82,931
-1 -82,931

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 82,931.

Example:
1 x 82,931 = 82,931
and
-1 x -82,931 = 82,931
Notice both answers equal 82,931

With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 82,931 and divide it by 2:

82,931 ÷ 2 = 41,465.5

If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 41,465.5 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 82,931
-1 -82,931

Now, we try dividing 82,931 by 3:

82,931 ÷ 3 = 27,643.6667

If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 27,643.6667 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 82,931
-1 -82,931

Let's try dividing by 4:

82,931 ÷ 4 = 20,732.75

If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 20,732.75 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 82,931
-1 82,931
Keep dividing by the next highest number until you cannot divide anymore.

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

112765382,931
-1-127-653-82,931

More Examples

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