Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 216,241?
A:
Positive:
1 x 216241101 x 2141
Negative:
-1 x -216241-101 x -2141
A:
Positive:
1 x 216241101 x 2141
Negative:
-1 x -216241-101 x -2141
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 216,241, 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 | 216,241 | |
-1 | -216,241 |
When you multiply two negative numbers together, you get a positive number. That means both the positive and negative numbers are factors of 216,241.
Example:
1 x 216,241 = 216,241
and
-1 x -216,241 = 216,241
Notice both answers equal 216,241
With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 216,241 and divide it by 2:
216,241 ÷ 2 = 108,120.5
If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 108,120.5 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 | 216,241 | |
-1 | -216,241 |
Now, we try dividing 216,241 by 3:
216,241 ÷ 3 = 72,080.3333
If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 72,080.3333 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 | 216,241 | |
-1 | -216,241 |
Let's try dividing by 4:
216,241 ÷ 4 = 54,060.25
If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 54,060.25 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 | 216,241 | |
-1 | 216,241 |
If you did it right, you will end up with this table:
1 | 101 | 2,141 | 216,241 |
-1 | -101 | -2,141 | -216,241 |
Here are some more numbers to try:
Try the factor calculator