Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 208,777?

 A:
Positive:   1 x 20877717 x 12281
Negative: -1 x -208777-17 x -12281


How do I find the factor combinations of the number 208,777?

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 208,777, 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.

1 208,777
-1 -208,777

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 208,777.

Example:
1 x 208,777 = 208,777
and
-1 x -208,777 = 208,777
Notice both answers equal 208,777

With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 208,777 and divide it by 2:

208,777 ÷ 2 = 104,388.5

If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 104,388.5 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:

1 208,777
-1 -208,777

Now, we try dividing 208,777 by 3:

208,777 ÷ 3 = 69,592.3333

If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 69,592.3333 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:

1 208,777
-1 -208,777

Let's try dividing by 4:

208,777 ÷ 4 = 52,194.25

If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 52,194.25 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:

1 208,777
-1 208,777
Keep dividing by the next highest number until you cannot divide anymore.

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

11712,281208,777
-1-17-12,281-208,777

More Examples

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