Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 279,827?
A:
Positive:
1 x 279827461 x 607
Negative:
-1 x -279827-461 x -607
A:
Positive:
1 x 279827461 x 607
Negative:
-1 x -279827-461 x -607
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 279,827, 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 | 279,827 | |
-1 | -279,827 |
When you multiply two negative numbers together, you get a positive number. That means both the positive and negative numbers are factors of 279,827.
Example:
1 x 279,827 = 279,827
and
-1 x -279,827 = 279,827
Notice both answers equal 279,827
With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 279,827 and divide it by 2:
279,827 ÷ 2 = 139,913.5
If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 139,913.5 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 | 279,827 | |
-1 | -279,827 |
Now, we try dividing 279,827 by 3:
279,827 ÷ 3 = 93,275.6667
If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 93,275.6667 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 | 279,827 | |
-1 | -279,827 |
Let's try dividing by 4:
279,827 ÷ 4 = 69,956.75
If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 69,956.75 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 | 279,827 | |
-1 | 279,827 |
If you did it right, you will end up with this table:
1 | 461 | 607 | 279,827 |
-1 | -461 | -607 | -279,827 |
Here are some more numbers to try:
Try the factor calculator