Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 265,439?
A:
Positive:
1 x 26543943 x 6173
Negative:
-1 x -265439-43 x -6173
A:
Positive:
1 x 26543943 x 6173
Negative:
-1 x -265439-43 x -6173
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 265,439, 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 | 265,439 | |
-1 | -265,439 |
When you multiply two negative numbers together, you get a positive number. That means both the positive and negative numbers are factors of 265,439.
Example:
1 x 265,439 = 265,439
and
-1 x -265,439 = 265,439
Notice both answers equal 265,439
With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 265,439 and divide it by 2:
265,439 ÷ 2 = 132,719.5
If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 132,719.5 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 | 265,439 | |
-1 | -265,439 |
Now, we try dividing 265,439 by 3:
265,439 ÷ 3 = 88,479.6667
If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 88,479.6667 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 | 265,439 | |
-1 | -265,439 |
Let's try dividing by 4:
265,439 ÷ 4 = 66,359.75
If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 66,359.75 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 | 265,439 | |
-1 | 265,439 |
If you did it right, you will end up with this table:
1 | 43 | 6,173 | 265,439 |
-1 | -43 | -6,173 | -265,439 |
Here are some more numbers to try:
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