Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 201,869?
A:
Positive:
1 x 20186929 x 6961
Negative:
-1 x -201869-29 x -6961
A:
Positive:
1 x 20186929 x 6961
Negative:
-1 x -201869-29 x -6961
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 201,869, 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 | 201,869 | |
-1 | -201,869 |
When you multiply two negative numbers together, you get a positive number. That means both the positive and negative numbers are factors of 201,869.
Example:
1 x 201,869 = 201,869
and
-1 x -201,869 = 201,869
Notice both answers equal 201,869
With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 201,869 and divide it by 2:
201,869 ÷ 2 = 100,934.5
If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 100,934.5 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 | 201,869 | |
-1 | -201,869 |
Now, we try dividing 201,869 by 3:
201,869 ÷ 3 = 67,289.6667
If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 67,289.6667 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 | 201,869 | |
-1 | -201,869 |
Let's try dividing by 4:
201,869 ÷ 4 = 50,467.25
If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 50,467.25 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 | 201,869 | |
-1 | 201,869 |
If you did it right, you will end up with this table:
1 | 29 | 6,961 | 201,869 |
-1 | -29 | -6,961 | -201,869 |
Here are some more numbers to try:
Try the factor calculator