Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 255,431?
A:
Positive:
1 x 25543111 x 23221121 x 2111
Negative:
-1 x -255431-11 x -23221-121 x -2111
A:
Positive:
1 x 25543111 x 23221121 x 2111
Negative:
-1 x -255431-11 x -23221-121 x -2111
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 255,431, 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 | 255,431 | |
-1 | -255,431 |
When you multiply two negative numbers together, you get a positive number. That means both the positive and negative numbers are factors of 255,431.
Example:
1 x 255,431 = 255,431
and
-1 x -255,431 = 255,431
Notice both answers equal 255,431
With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 255,431 and divide it by 2:
255,431 ÷ 2 = 127,715.5
If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 127,715.5 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 | 255,431 | |
-1 | -255,431 |
Now, we try dividing 255,431 by 3:
255,431 ÷ 3 = 85,143.6667
If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 85,143.6667 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 | 255,431 | |
-1 | -255,431 |
Let's try dividing by 4:
255,431 ÷ 4 = 63,857.75
If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 63,857.75 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 | 255,431 | |
-1 | 255,431 |
If you did it right, you will end up with this table:
1 | 11 | 121 | 2,111 | 23,221 | 255,431 |
-1 | -11 | -121 | -2,111 | -23,221 | -255,431 |
Here are some more numbers to try:
Try the factor calculator