Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 214,759?

 A:
Positive:   1 x 214759
Negative: -1 x -214759


How do I find the factor combinations of the number 214,759?

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 214,759, 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.

1 214,759
-1 -214,759

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 214,759.

Example:
1 x 214,759 = 214,759
and
-1 x -214,759 = 214,759
Notice both answers equal 214,759

With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 214,759 and divide it by 2:

214,759 ÷ 2 = 107,379.5

If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 107,379.5 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:

1 214,759
-1 -214,759

Now, we try dividing 214,759 by 3:

214,759 ÷ 3 = 71,586.3333

If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 71,586.3333 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:

1 214,759
-1 -214,759

Let's try dividing by 4:

214,759 ÷ 4 = 53,689.75

If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 53,689.75 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:

1 214,759
-1 214,759
Keep dividing by the next highest number until you cannot divide anymore.

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

1214,759
-1-214,759

More Examples

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