Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 98,783?

 A:
Positive:   1 x 98783173 x 571
Negative: -1 x -98783-173 x -571


How do I find the factor combinations of the number 98,783?

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 98,783, 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 98,783
-1 -98,783

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 98,783.

Example:
1 x 98,783 = 98,783
and
-1 x -98,783 = 98,783
Notice both answers equal 98,783

With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 98,783 and divide it by 2:

98,783 ÷ 2 = 49,391.5

If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 49,391.5 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 98,783
-1 -98,783

Now, we try dividing 98,783 by 3:

98,783 ÷ 3 = 32,927.6667

If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 32,927.6667 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 98,783
-1 -98,783

Let's try dividing by 4:

98,783 ÷ 4 = 24,695.75

If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 24,695.75 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 98,783
-1 98,783
Keep dividing by the next highest number until you cannot divide anymore.

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

117357198,783
-1-173-571-98,783

More Examples

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