Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 9,556,123?

 A:
Positive:   1 x 9556123
Negative: -1 x -9556123


How do I find the factor combinations of the number 9,556,123?

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 9,556,123, 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 9,556,123
-1 -9,556,123

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 9,556,123.

Example:
1 x 9,556,123 = 9,556,123
and
-1 x -9,556,123 = 9,556,123
Notice both answers equal 9,556,123

With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 9,556,123 and divide it by 2:

9,556,123 ÷ 2 = 4,778,061.5

If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 4,778,061.5 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 9,556,123
-1 -9,556,123

Now, we try dividing 9,556,123 by 3:

9,556,123 ÷ 3 = 3,185,374.3333

If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 3,185,374.3333 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 9,556,123
-1 -9,556,123

Let's try dividing by 4:

9,556,123 ÷ 4 = 2,389,030.75

If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 2,389,030.75 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 9,556,123
-1 9,556,123
Keep dividing by the next highest number until you cannot divide anymore.

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

19,556,123
-1-9,556,123

More Examples

Here are some more numbers to try:

Try the factor calculator

Explore more about the number 9,556,123:


Ask a Question