Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 255,169?
A:
Positive:
1 x 255169109 x 2341
Negative:
-1 x -255169-109 x -2341
A:
Positive:
1 x 255169109 x 2341
Negative:
-1 x -255169-109 x -2341
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 255,169, 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 | 255,169 | |
-1 | -255,169 |
When you multiply two negative numbers together, you get a positive number. That means both the positive and negative numbers are factors of 255,169.
Example:
1 x 255,169 = 255,169
and
-1 x -255,169 = 255,169
Notice both answers equal 255,169
With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 255,169 and divide it by 2:
255,169 ÷ 2 = 127,584.5
If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 127,584.5 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 | 255,169 | |
-1 | -255,169 |
Now, we try dividing 255,169 by 3:
255,169 ÷ 3 = 85,056.3333
If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 85,056.3333 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 | 255,169 | |
-1 | -255,169 |
Let's try dividing by 4:
255,169 ÷ 4 = 63,792.25
If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 63,792.25 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 | 255,169 | |
-1 | 255,169 |
If you did it right, you will end up with this table:
1 | 109 | 2,341 | 255,169 |
-1 | -109 | -2,341 | -255,169 |
Here are some more numbers to try:
Try the factor calculator