Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 200,539?
A:
Positive:
1 x 20053931 x 6469
Negative:
-1 x -200539-31 x -6469
A:
Positive:
1 x 20053931 x 6469
Negative:
-1 x -200539-31 x -6469
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 200,539, 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 | 200,539 | |
-1 | -200,539 |
When you multiply two negative numbers together, you get a positive number. That means both the positive and negative numbers are factors of 200,539.
Example:
1 x 200,539 = 200,539
and
-1 x -200,539 = 200,539
Notice both answers equal 200,539
With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 200,539 and divide it by 2:
200,539 ÷ 2 = 100,269.5
If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 100,269.5 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 | 200,539 | |
-1 | -200,539 |
Now, we try dividing 200,539 by 3:
200,539 ÷ 3 = 66,846.3333
If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 66,846.3333 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 | 200,539 | |
-1 | -200,539 |
Let's try dividing by 4:
200,539 ÷ 4 = 50,134.75
If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 50,134.75 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 | 200,539 | |
-1 | 200,539 |
If you did it right, you will end up with this table:
1 | 31 | 6,469 | 200,539 |
-1 | -31 | -6,469 | -200,539 |
Here are some more numbers to try:
Try the factor calculator