Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 268,955?
A:
Positive:
1 x 2689555 x 53791
Negative:
-1 x -268955-5 x -53791
A:
Positive:
1 x 2689555 x 53791
Negative:
-1 x -268955-5 x -53791
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 268,955, 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 | 268,955 | |
-1 | -268,955 |
When you multiply two negative numbers together, you get a positive number. That means both the positive and negative numbers are factors of 268,955.
Example:
1 x 268,955 = 268,955
and
-1 x -268,955 = 268,955
Notice both answers equal 268,955
With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 268,955 and divide it by 2:
268,955 ÷ 2 = 134,477.5
If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 134,477.5 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 | 268,955 | |
-1 | -268,955 |
Now, we try dividing 268,955 by 3:
268,955 ÷ 3 = 89,651.6667
If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 89,651.6667 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 | 268,955 | |
-1 | -268,955 |
Let's try dividing by 4:
268,955 ÷ 4 = 67,238.75
If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 67,238.75 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 | 268,955 | |
-1 | 268,955 |
If you did it right, you will end up with this table:
1 | 5 | 53,791 | 268,955 |
-1 | -5 | -53,791 | -268,955 |
Here are some more numbers to try:
Try the factor calculator