Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 205,087?
A:
Positive:
1 x 20508767 x 3061
Negative:
-1 x -205087-67 x -3061
A:
Positive:
1 x 20508767 x 3061
Negative:
-1 x -205087-67 x -3061
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 205,087, 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 | 205,087 | |
-1 | -205,087 |
When you multiply two negative numbers together, you get a positive number. That means both the positive and negative numbers are factors of 205,087.
Example:
1 x 205,087 = 205,087
and
-1 x -205,087 = 205,087
Notice both answers equal 205,087
With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 205,087 and divide it by 2:
205,087 ÷ 2 = 102,543.5
If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 102,543.5 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 | 205,087 | |
-1 | -205,087 |
Now, we try dividing 205,087 by 3:
205,087 ÷ 3 = 68,362.3333
If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 68,362.3333 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 | 205,087 | |
-1 | -205,087 |
Let's try dividing by 4:
205,087 ÷ 4 = 51,271.75
If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 51,271.75 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 | 205,087 | |
-1 | 205,087 |
If you did it right, you will end up with this table:
1 | 67 | 3,061 | 205,087 |
-1 | -67 | -3,061 | -205,087 |
Here are some more numbers to try:
Try the factor calculator