Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 272,905?
A:
Positive:
1 x 2729055 x 54581
Negative:
-1 x -272905-5 x -54581
A:
Positive:
1 x 2729055 x 54581
Negative:
-1 x -272905-5 x -54581
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 272,905, 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 | 272,905 | |
-1 | -272,905 |
When you multiply two negative numbers together, you get a positive number. That means both the positive and negative numbers are factors of 272,905.
Example:
1 x 272,905 = 272,905
and
-1 x -272,905 = 272,905
Notice both answers equal 272,905
With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 272,905 and divide it by 2:
272,905 ÷ 2 = 136,452.5
If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 136,452.5 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 | 272,905 | |
-1 | -272,905 |
Now, we try dividing 272,905 by 3:
272,905 ÷ 3 = 90,968.3333
If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 90,968.3333 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 | 272,905 | |
-1 | -272,905 |
Let's try dividing by 4:
272,905 ÷ 4 = 68,226.25
If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 68,226.25 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 | 272,905 | |
-1 | 272,905 |
If you did it right, you will end up with this table:
1 | 5 | 54,581 | 272,905 |
-1 | -5 | -54,581 | -272,905 |
Here are some more numbers to try:
Try the factor calculator