Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 258,925?
A:
Positive:
1 x 2589255 x 5178525 x 10357
Negative:
-1 x -258925-5 x -51785-25 x -10357
A:
Positive:
1 x 2589255 x 5178525 x 10357
Negative:
-1 x -258925-5 x -51785-25 x -10357
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 258,925, 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 | 258,925 | |
-1 | -258,925 |
When you multiply two negative numbers together, you get a positive number. That means both the positive and negative numbers are factors of 258,925.
Example:
1 x 258,925 = 258,925
and
-1 x -258,925 = 258,925
Notice both answers equal 258,925
With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 258,925 and divide it by 2:
258,925 ÷ 2 = 129,462.5
If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 129,462.5 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 | 258,925 | |
-1 | -258,925 |
Now, we try dividing 258,925 by 3:
258,925 ÷ 3 = 86,308.3333
If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 86,308.3333 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 | 258,925 | |
-1 | -258,925 |
Let's try dividing by 4:
258,925 ÷ 4 = 64,731.25
If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 64,731.25 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 | 258,925 | |
-1 | 258,925 |
If you did it right, you will end up with this table:
1 | 5 | 25 | 10,357 | 51,785 | 258,925 |
-1 | -5 | -25 | -10,357 | -51,785 | -258,925 |
Here are some more numbers to try:
Try the factor calculator