Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 272,525?

 A:
Positive:   1 x 2725255 x 5450511 x 2477525 x 1090155 x 4955275 x 991
Negative: -1 x -272525-5 x -54505-11 x -24775-25 x -10901-55 x -4955-275 x -991


How do I find the factor combinations of the number 272,525?

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 272,525, it is easier to work with a table - it's called factoring from the outside in.

Outside in Factoring

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.

1 272,525
-1 -272,525

Why are the negative numbers included?

When you multiply two negative numbers together, you get a positive number. That means both the positive and negative numbers are factors of 272,525.

Example:
1 x 272,525 = 272,525
and
-1 x -272,525 = 272,525
Notice both answers equal 272,525

With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 272,525 and divide it by 2:

272,525 ÷ 2 = 136,262.5

If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 136,262.5 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:

1 272,525
-1 -272,525

Now, we try dividing 272,525 by 3:

272,525 ÷ 3 = 90,841.6667

If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 90,841.6667 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:

1 272,525
-1 -272,525

Let's try dividing by 4:

272,525 ÷ 4 = 68,131.25

If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 68,131.25 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:

1 272,525
-1 272,525
Keep dividing by the next highest number until you cannot divide anymore.

If you did it right, you will end up with this table:

151125552759914,95510,90124,77554,505272,525
-1-5-11-25-55-275-991-4,955-10,901-24,775-54,505-272,525

More Examples

Here are some more numbers to try:

Try the factor calculator

Explore more about the number 272,525:


Ask a Question