Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 217,903?
A:
Positive:
1 x 2179037 x 3112949 x 4447
Negative:
-1 x -217903-7 x -31129-49 x -4447
A:
Positive:
1 x 2179037 x 3112949 x 4447
Negative:
-1 x -217903-7 x -31129-49 x -4447
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 217,903, 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 | 217,903 | |
-1 | -217,903 |
When you multiply two negative numbers together, you get a positive number. That means both the positive and negative numbers are factors of 217,903.
Example:
1 x 217,903 = 217,903
and
-1 x -217,903 = 217,903
Notice both answers equal 217,903
With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 217,903 and divide it by 2:
217,903 ÷ 2 = 108,951.5
If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 108,951.5 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 | 217,903 | |
-1 | -217,903 |
Now, we try dividing 217,903 by 3:
217,903 ÷ 3 = 72,634.3333
If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 72,634.3333 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 | 217,903 | |
-1 | -217,903 |
Let's try dividing by 4:
217,903 ÷ 4 = 54,475.75
If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 54,475.75 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 | 217,903 | |
-1 | 217,903 |
If you did it right, you will end up with this table:
1 | 7 | 49 | 4,447 | 31,129 | 217,903 |
-1 | -7 | -49 | -4,447 | -31,129 | -217,903 |
Here are some more numbers to try:
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