Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 221,299?

 A:
Positive:   1 x 22129913 x 1702329 x 7631377 x 587
Negative: -1 x -221299-13 x -17023-29 x -7631-377 x -587


How do I find the factor combinations of the number 221,299?

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 221,299, 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.

1 221,299
-1 -221,299

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 221,299.

Example:
1 x 221,299 = 221,299
and
-1 x -221,299 = 221,299
Notice both answers equal 221,299

With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 221,299 and divide it by 2:

221,299 ÷ 2 = 110,649.5

If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 110,649.5 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:

1 221,299
-1 -221,299

Now, we try dividing 221,299 by 3:

221,299 ÷ 3 = 73,766.3333

If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 73,766.3333 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:

1 221,299
-1 -221,299

Let's try dividing by 4:

221,299 ÷ 4 = 55,324.75

If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 55,324.75 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:

1 221,299
-1 221,299
Keep dividing by the next highest number until you cannot divide anymore.

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

113293775877,63117,023221,299
-1-13-29-377-587-7,631-17,023-221,299

More Examples

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