Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 86,873?
A:
Positive:
1 x 86873109 x 797
Negative:
-1 x -86873-109 x -797
A:
Positive:
1 x 86873109 x 797
Negative:
-1 x -86873-109 x -797
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 86,873, 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 | 86,873 | |
-1 | -86,873 |
When you multiply two negative numbers together, you get a positive number. That means both the positive and negative numbers are factors of 86,873.
Example:
1 x 86,873 = 86,873
and
-1 x -86,873 = 86,873
Notice both answers equal 86,873
With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 86,873 and divide it by 2:
86,873 ÷ 2 = 43,436.5
If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 43,436.5 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 | 86,873 | |
-1 | -86,873 |
Now, we try dividing 86,873 by 3:
86,873 ÷ 3 = 28,957.6667
If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 28,957.6667 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 | 86,873 | |
-1 | -86,873 |
Let's try dividing by 4:
86,873 ÷ 4 = 21,718.25
If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 21,718.25 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 | 86,873 | |
-1 | 86,873 |
If you did it right, you will end up with this table:
1 | 109 | 797 | 86,873 |
-1 | -109 | -797 | -86,873 |
Here are some more numbers to try:
Try the factor calculator