Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 201,991?

 A:
Positive:   1 x 20199173 x 2767
Negative: -1 x -201991-73 x -2767


How do I find the factor combinations of the number 201,991?

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 201,991, 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.

1 201,991
-1 -201,991

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 201,991.

Example:
1 x 201,991 = 201,991
and
-1 x -201,991 = 201,991
Notice both answers equal 201,991

With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 201,991 and divide it by 2:

201,991 ÷ 2 = 100,995.5

If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 100,995.5 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:

1 201,991
-1 -201,991

Now, we try dividing 201,991 by 3:

201,991 ÷ 3 = 67,330.3333

If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 67,330.3333 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:

1 201,991
-1 -201,991

Let's try dividing by 4:

201,991 ÷ 4 = 50,497.75

If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 50,497.75 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:

1 201,991
-1 201,991
Keep dividing by the next highest number until you cannot divide anymore.

If you did it right, you will end up with this table:

1732,767201,991
-1-73-2,767-201,991

More Examples

Here are some more numbers to try:

Try the factor calculator

Explore more about the number 201,991:


Ask a Question