Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 196,931?
A:
Positive:
1 x 1969317 x 2813349 x 4019
Negative:
-1 x -196931-7 x -28133-49 x -4019
A:
Positive:
1 x 1969317 x 2813349 x 4019
Negative:
-1 x -196931-7 x -28133-49 x -4019
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 196,931, 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 | 196,931 | |
-1 | -196,931 |
When you multiply two negative numbers together, you get a positive number. That means both the positive and negative numbers are factors of 196,931.
Example:
1 x 196,931 = 196,931
and
-1 x -196,931 = 196,931
Notice both answers equal 196,931
With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 196,931 and divide it by 2:
196,931 ÷ 2 = 98,465.5
If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 98,465.5 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 | 196,931 | |
-1 | -196,931 |
Now, we try dividing 196,931 by 3:
196,931 ÷ 3 = 65,643.6667
If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 65,643.6667 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 | 196,931 | |
-1 | -196,931 |
Let's try dividing by 4:
196,931 ÷ 4 = 49,232.75
If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 49,232.75 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 | 196,931 | |
-1 | 196,931 |
If you did it right, you will end up with this table:
1 | 7 | 49 | 4,019 | 28,133 | 196,931 |
-1 | -7 | -49 | -4,019 | -28,133 | -196,931 |
Here are some more numbers to try:
Try the factor calculator