Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 215,755?
A:
Positive:
1 x 2157555 x 43151
Negative:
-1 x -215755-5 x -43151
A:
Positive:
1 x 2157555 x 43151
Negative:
-1 x -215755-5 x -43151
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 215,755, 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 | 215,755 | |
-1 | -215,755 |
When you multiply two negative numbers together, you get a positive number. That means both the positive and negative numbers are factors of 215,755.
Example:
1 x 215,755 = 215,755
and
-1 x -215,755 = 215,755
Notice both answers equal 215,755
With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 215,755 and divide it by 2:
215,755 ÷ 2 = 107,877.5
If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 107,877.5 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 | 215,755 | |
-1 | -215,755 |
Now, we try dividing 215,755 by 3:
215,755 ÷ 3 = 71,918.3333
If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 71,918.3333 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 | 215,755 | |
-1 | -215,755 |
Let's try dividing by 4:
215,755 ÷ 4 = 53,938.75
If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 53,938.75 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 | 215,755 | |
-1 | 215,755 |
If you did it right, you will end up with this table:
1 | 5 | 43,151 | 215,755 |
-1 | -5 | -43,151 | -215,755 |
Here are some more numbers to try:
Try the factor calculator