Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 27,853?
A:
Positive:
1 x 278537 x 397923 x 1211161 x 173
Negative:
-1 x -27853-7 x -3979-23 x -1211-161 x -173
A:
Positive:
1 x 278537 x 397923 x 1211161 x 173
Negative:
-1 x -27853-7 x -3979-23 x -1211-161 x -173
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 27,853, 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 | 27,853 | |
-1 | -27,853 |
When you multiply two negative numbers together, you get a positive number. That means both the positive and negative numbers are factors of 27,853.
Example:
1 x 27,853 = 27,853
and
-1 x -27,853 = 27,853
Notice both answers equal 27,853
With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 27,853 and divide it by 2:
27,853 ÷ 2 = 13,926.5
If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 13,926.5 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 | 27,853 | |
-1 | -27,853 |
Now, we try dividing 27,853 by 3:
27,853 ÷ 3 = 9,284.3333
If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 9,284.3333 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 | 27,853 | |
-1 | -27,853 |
Let's try dividing by 4:
27,853 ÷ 4 = 6,963.25
If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 6,963.25 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 | 27,853 | |
-1 | 27,853 |
If you did it right, you will end up with this table:
1 | 7 | 23 | 161 | 173 | 1,211 | 3,979 | 27,853 |
-1 | -7 | -23 | -161 | -173 | -1,211 | -3,979 | -27,853 |
Here are some more numbers to try:
Try the factor calculator