Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 217,757?
A:
Positive:
1 x 21775771 x 3067
Negative:
-1 x -217757-71 x -3067
A:
Positive:
1 x 21775771 x 3067
Negative:
-1 x -217757-71 x -3067
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 217,757, 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 | 217,757 | |
-1 | -217,757 |
When you multiply two negative numbers together, you get a positive number. That means both the positive and negative numbers are factors of 217,757.
Example:
1 x 217,757 = 217,757
and
-1 x -217,757 = 217,757
Notice both answers equal 217,757
With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 217,757 and divide it by 2:
217,757 ÷ 2 = 108,878.5
If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 108,878.5 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 | 217,757 | |
-1 | -217,757 |
Now, we try dividing 217,757 by 3:
217,757 ÷ 3 = 72,585.6667
If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 72,585.6667 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 | 217,757 | |
-1 | -217,757 |
Let's try dividing by 4:
217,757 ÷ 4 = 54,439.25
If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 54,439.25 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 | 217,757 | |
-1 | 217,757 |
If you did it right, you will end up with this table:
1 | 71 | 3,067 | 217,757 |
-1 | -71 | -3,067 | -217,757 |
Here are some more numbers to try:
Try the factor calculator