Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 202,171?
A:
Positive:
1 x 20217141 x 4931
Negative:
-1 x -202171-41 x -4931
A:
Positive:
1 x 20217141 x 4931
Negative:
-1 x -202171-41 x -4931
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 202,171, 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 | 202,171 | |
-1 | -202,171 |
When you multiply two negative numbers together, you get a positive number. That means both the positive and negative numbers are factors of 202,171.
Example:
1 x 202,171 = 202,171
and
-1 x -202,171 = 202,171
Notice both answers equal 202,171
With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 202,171 and divide it by 2:
202,171 ÷ 2 = 101,085.5
If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 101,085.5 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 | 202,171 | |
-1 | -202,171 |
Now, we try dividing 202,171 by 3:
202,171 ÷ 3 = 67,390.3333
If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 67,390.3333 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 | 202,171 | |
-1 | -202,171 |
Let's try dividing by 4:
202,171 ÷ 4 = 50,542.75
If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 50,542.75 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 | 202,171 | |
-1 | 202,171 |
If you did it right, you will end up with this table:
1 | 41 | 4,931 | 202,171 |
-1 | -41 | -4,931 | -202,171 |
Here are some more numbers to try:
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