Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 256,897?
A:
Positive:
1 x 25689731 x 8287
Negative:
-1 x -256897-31 x -8287
A:
Positive:
1 x 25689731 x 8287
Negative:
-1 x -256897-31 x -8287
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 256,897, 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 | 256,897 | |
-1 | -256,897 |
When you multiply two negative numbers together, you get a positive number. That means both the positive and negative numbers are factors of 256,897.
Example:
1 x 256,897 = 256,897
and
-1 x -256,897 = 256,897
Notice both answers equal 256,897
With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 256,897 and divide it by 2:
256,897 ÷ 2 = 128,448.5
If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 128,448.5 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 | 256,897 | |
-1 | -256,897 |
Now, we try dividing 256,897 by 3:
256,897 ÷ 3 = 85,632.3333
If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 85,632.3333 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 | 256,897 | |
-1 | -256,897 |
Let's try dividing by 4:
256,897 ÷ 4 = 64,224.25
If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 64,224.25 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 | 256,897 | |
-1 | 256,897 |
If you did it right, you will end up with this table:
1 | 31 | 8,287 | 256,897 |
-1 | -31 | -8,287 | -256,897 |
Here are some more numbers to try:
Try the factor calculator