Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 212,339?
A:
Positive:
1 x 21233941 x 5179
Negative:
-1 x -212339-41 x -5179
A:
Positive:
1 x 21233941 x 5179
Negative:
-1 x -212339-41 x -5179
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 212,339, 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 | 212,339 | |
-1 | -212,339 |
When you multiply two negative numbers together, you get a positive number. That means both the positive and negative numbers are factors of 212,339.
Example:
1 x 212,339 = 212,339
and
-1 x -212,339 = 212,339
Notice both answers equal 212,339
With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 212,339 and divide it by 2:
212,339 ÷ 2 = 106,169.5
If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 106,169.5 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 | 212,339 | |
-1 | -212,339 |
Now, we try dividing 212,339 by 3:
212,339 ÷ 3 = 70,779.6667
If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 70,779.6667 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 | 212,339 | |
-1 | -212,339 |
Let's try dividing by 4:
212,339 ÷ 4 = 53,084.75
If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 53,084.75 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 | 212,339 | |
-1 | 212,339 |
If you did it right, you will end up with this table:
1 | 41 | 5,179 | 212,339 |
-1 | -41 | -5,179 | -212,339 |
Here are some more numbers to try:
Try the factor calculator