Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 83,941?

 A:
Positive:   1 x 8394111 x 763113 x 6457143 x 587
Negative: -1 x -83941-11 x -7631-13 x -6457-143 x -587


How do I find the factor combinations of the number 83,941?

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 83,941, 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 83,941
-1 -83,941

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 83,941.

Example:
1 x 83,941 = 83,941
and
-1 x -83,941 = 83,941
Notice both answers equal 83,941

With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 83,941 and divide it by 2:

83,941 ÷ 2 = 41,970.5

If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 41,970.5 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 83,941
-1 -83,941

Now, we try dividing 83,941 by 3:

83,941 ÷ 3 = 27,980.3333

If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 27,980.3333 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 83,941
-1 -83,941

Let's try dividing by 4:

83,941 ÷ 4 = 20,985.25

If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 20,985.25 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 83,941
-1 83,941
Keep dividing by the next highest number until you cannot divide anymore.

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

111131435876,4577,63183,941
-1-11-13-143-587-6,457-7,631-83,941

More Examples

Here are some more numbers to try:

Try the factor calculator

Explore more about the number 83,941:


Ask a Question