Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 205,955?

 A:
Positive:   1 x 2059555 x 4119117 x 1211585 x 2423
Negative: -1 x -205955-5 x -41191-17 x -12115-85 x -2423


How do I find the factor combinations of the number 205,955?

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 205,955, 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.

1 205,955
-1 -205,955

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 205,955.

Example:
1 x 205,955 = 205,955
and
-1 x -205,955 = 205,955
Notice both answers equal 205,955

With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 205,955 and divide it by 2:

205,955 ÷ 2 = 102,977.5

If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 102,977.5 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:

1 205,955
-1 -205,955

Now, we try dividing 205,955 by 3:

205,955 ÷ 3 = 68,651.6667

If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 68,651.6667 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:

1 205,955
-1 -205,955

Let's try dividing by 4:

205,955 ÷ 4 = 51,488.75

If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 51,488.75 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:

1 205,955
-1 205,955
Keep dividing by the next highest number until you cannot divide anymore.

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

1517852,42312,11541,191205,955
-1-5-17-85-2,423-12,115-41,191-205,955

More Examples

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