Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 138,685?
A:
Positive:
1 x 1386855 x 27737
Negative:
-1 x -138685-5 x -27737
A:
Positive:
1 x 1386855 x 27737
Negative:
-1 x -138685-5 x -27737
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 138,685, 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 | 138,685 | |
-1 | -138,685 |
When you multiply two negative numbers together, you get a positive number. That means both the positive and negative numbers are factors of 138,685.
Example:
1 x 138,685 = 138,685
and
-1 x -138,685 = 138,685
Notice both answers equal 138,685
With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 138,685 and divide it by 2:
138,685 ÷ 2 = 69,342.5
If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 69,342.5 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 | 138,685 | |
-1 | -138,685 |
Now, we try dividing 138,685 by 3:
138,685 ÷ 3 = 46,228.3333
If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 46,228.3333 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 | 138,685 | |
-1 | -138,685 |
Let's try dividing by 4:
138,685 ÷ 4 = 34,671.25
If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 34,671.25 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 | 138,685 | |
-1 | 138,685 |
If you did it right, you will end up with this table:
1 | 5 | 27,737 | 138,685 |
-1 | -5 | -27,737 | -138,685 |
Here are some more numbers to try:
Try the factor calculator