How do I find the factor combinations of the number 200,892?
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 200,892, 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.
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 200,892.
Example:
1 x 200,892 = 200,892
and
-1 x -200,892 = 200,892
Notice both answers equal 200,892
With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 200,892 and divide it by 2:
200,892 ÷ 2 = 100,446
If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 100,446 are factors. In this case, the quotient is a whole number. Write them in the table inside the other two factors like the below example. Don't forget to write the negative numbers too!
Here is what our table should look like at this step:
Now, we try dividing 200,892 by 3:
200,892 ÷ 3 = 66,964
If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 66,964 are factors. In this case, the quotient is a whole number. Write them in the table inside the other two factors like the below example. Don't forget to write the negative numbers too!
Here is what our table should look like at this step:
Let's try dividing by 4:
200,892 ÷ 4 = 50,223
If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 50,223 are factors. In this case, the quotient is a whole number. Write them in the table inside the other two factors like the below example. Don't forget to write the negative numbers too!
Here is what our table should look like at this step:
Keep dividing by the next highest number until you cannot divide anymore.
If you did it right, you will end up with this table:
More Examples
Here are some more numbers to try:
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