Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 268,571?
A:
Positive:
1 x 26857123 x 11677
Negative:
-1 x -268571-23 x -11677
A:
Positive:
1 x 26857123 x 11677
Negative:
-1 x -268571-23 x -11677
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 268,571, 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 | 268,571 | |
-1 | -268,571 |
When you multiply two negative numbers together, you get a positive number. That means both the positive and negative numbers are factors of 268,571.
Example:
1 x 268,571 = 268,571
and
-1 x -268,571 = 268,571
Notice both answers equal 268,571
With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 268,571 and divide it by 2:
268,571 ÷ 2 = 134,285.5
If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 134,285.5 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 | 268,571 | |
-1 | -268,571 |
Now, we try dividing 268,571 by 3:
268,571 ÷ 3 = 89,523.6667
If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 89,523.6667 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 | 268,571 | |
-1 | -268,571 |
Let's try dividing by 4:
268,571 ÷ 4 = 67,142.75
If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 67,142.75 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 | 268,571 | |
-1 | 268,571 |
If you did it right, you will end up with this table:
1 | 23 | 11,677 | 268,571 |
-1 | -23 | -11,677 | -268,571 |
Here are some more numbers to try:
Try the factor calculator