Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 263,831?
A:
Positive:
1 x 263831193 x 1367
Negative:
-1 x -263831-193 x -1367
A:
Positive:
1 x 263831193 x 1367
Negative:
-1 x -263831-193 x -1367
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 263,831, 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 | 263,831 | |
-1 | -263,831 |
When you multiply two negative numbers together, you get a positive number. That means both the positive and negative numbers are factors of 263,831.
Example:
1 x 263,831 = 263,831
and
-1 x -263,831 = 263,831
Notice both answers equal 263,831
With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 263,831 and divide it by 2:
263,831 ÷ 2 = 131,915.5
If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 131,915.5 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 | 263,831 | |
-1 | -263,831 |
Now, we try dividing 263,831 by 3:
263,831 ÷ 3 = 87,943.6667
If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 87,943.6667 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 | 263,831 | |
-1 | -263,831 |
Let's try dividing by 4:
263,831 ÷ 4 = 65,957.75
If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 65,957.75 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 | 263,831 | |
-1 | 263,831 |
If you did it right, you will end up with this table:
1 | 193 | 1,367 | 263,831 |
-1 | -193 | -1,367 | -263,831 |
Here are some more numbers to try:
Try the factor calculator