Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 216,823?
A:
Positive:
1 x 21682353 x 4091
Negative:
-1 x -216823-53 x -4091
A:
Positive:
1 x 21682353 x 4091
Negative:
-1 x -216823-53 x -4091
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 216,823, 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 | 216,823 | |
-1 | -216,823 |
When you multiply two negative numbers together, you get a positive number. That means both the positive and negative numbers are factors of 216,823.
Example:
1 x 216,823 = 216,823
and
-1 x -216,823 = 216,823
Notice both answers equal 216,823
With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 216,823 and divide it by 2:
216,823 ÷ 2 = 108,411.5
If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 108,411.5 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 | 216,823 | |
-1 | -216,823 |
Now, we try dividing 216,823 by 3:
216,823 ÷ 3 = 72,274.3333
If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 72,274.3333 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 | 216,823 | |
-1 | -216,823 |
Let's try dividing by 4:
216,823 ÷ 4 = 54,205.75
If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 54,205.75 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 | 216,823 | |
-1 | 216,823 |
If you did it right, you will end up with this table:
1 | 53 | 4,091 | 216,823 |
-1 | -53 | -4,091 | -216,823 |
Here are some more numbers to try:
Try the factor calculator