Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 262,037?
A:
Positive:
1 x 26203767 x 3911
Negative:
-1 x -262037-67 x -3911
A:
Positive:
1 x 26203767 x 3911
Negative:
-1 x -262037-67 x -3911
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 262,037, 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 | 262,037 | |
-1 | -262,037 |
When you multiply two negative numbers together, you get a positive number. That means both the positive and negative numbers are factors of 262,037.
Example:
1 x 262,037 = 262,037
and
-1 x -262,037 = 262,037
Notice both answers equal 262,037
With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 262,037 and divide it by 2:
262,037 ÷ 2 = 131,018.5
If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 131,018.5 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 | 262,037 | |
-1 | -262,037 |
Now, we try dividing 262,037 by 3:
262,037 ÷ 3 = 87,345.6667
If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 87,345.6667 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 | 262,037 | |
-1 | -262,037 |
Let's try dividing by 4:
262,037 ÷ 4 = 65,509.25
If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 65,509.25 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 | 262,037 | |
-1 | 262,037 |
If you did it right, you will end up with this table:
1 | 67 | 3,911 | 262,037 |
-1 | -67 | -3,911 | -262,037 |
Here are some more numbers to try:
Try the factor calculator