Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 208,651?
A:
Positive:
1 x 208651137 x 1523
Negative:
-1 x -208651-137 x -1523
A:
Positive:
1 x 208651137 x 1523
Negative:
-1 x -208651-137 x -1523
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 208,651, 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 | 208,651 | |
-1 | -208,651 |
When you multiply two negative numbers together, you get a positive number. That means both the positive and negative numbers are factors of 208,651.
Example:
1 x 208,651 = 208,651
and
-1 x -208,651 = 208,651
Notice both answers equal 208,651
With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 208,651 and divide it by 2:
208,651 ÷ 2 = 104,325.5
If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 104,325.5 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 | 208,651 | |
-1 | -208,651 |
Now, we try dividing 208,651 by 3:
208,651 ÷ 3 = 69,550.3333
If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 69,550.3333 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 | 208,651 | |
-1 | -208,651 |
Let's try dividing by 4:
208,651 ÷ 4 = 52,162.75
If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 52,162.75 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 | 208,651 | |
-1 | 208,651 |
If you did it right, you will end up with this table:
1 | 137 | 1,523 | 208,651 |
-1 | -137 | -1,523 | -208,651 |
Here are some more numbers to try:
Try the factor calculator