Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 216,163?

 A:
Positive:   1 x 21616319 x 1137731 x 6973367 x 589
Negative: -1 x -216163-19 x -11377-31 x -6973-367 x -589


How do I find the factor combinations of the number 216,163?

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 216,163, 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.

1 216,163
-1 -216,163

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 216,163.

Example:
1 x 216,163 = 216,163
and
-1 x -216,163 = 216,163
Notice both answers equal 216,163

With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 216,163 and divide it by 2:

216,163 ÷ 2 = 108,081.5

If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 108,081.5 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:

1 216,163
-1 -216,163

Now, we try dividing 216,163 by 3:

216,163 ÷ 3 = 72,054.3333

If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 72,054.3333 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:

1 216,163
-1 -216,163

Let's try dividing by 4:

216,163 ÷ 4 = 54,040.75

If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 54,040.75 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:

1 216,163
-1 216,163
Keep dividing by the next highest number until you cannot divide anymore.

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

119313675896,97311,377216,163
-1-19-31-367-589-6,973-11,377-216,163

More Examples

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