Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 87,971?
A:
Positive:
1 x 8797113 x 676767 x 1313101 x 871
Negative:
-1 x -87971-13 x -6767-67 x -1313-101 x -871
A:
Positive:
1 x 8797113 x 676767 x 1313101 x 871
Negative:
-1 x -87971-13 x -6767-67 x -1313-101 x -871
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 87,971, 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 | 87,971 | |
-1 | -87,971 |
When you multiply two negative numbers together, you get a positive number. That means both the positive and negative numbers are factors of 87,971.
Example:
1 x 87,971 = 87,971
and
-1 x -87,971 = 87,971
Notice both answers equal 87,971
With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 87,971 and divide it by 2:
87,971 ÷ 2 = 43,985.5
If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 43,985.5 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 | 87,971 | |
-1 | -87,971 |
Now, we try dividing 87,971 by 3:
87,971 ÷ 3 = 29,323.6667
If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 29,323.6667 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 | 87,971 | |
-1 | -87,971 |
Let's try dividing by 4:
87,971 ÷ 4 = 21,992.75
If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 21,992.75 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 | 87,971 | |
-1 | 87,971 |
If you did it right, you will end up with this table:
1 | 13 | 67 | 101 | 871 | 1,313 | 6,767 | 87,971 |
-1 | -13 | -67 | -101 | -871 | -1,313 | -6,767 | -87,971 |
Here are some more numbers to try:
Try the factor calculator