Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 279,989?
A:
Positive:
1 x 27998941 x 6829
Negative:
-1 x -279989-41 x -6829
A:
Positive:
1 x 27998941 x 6829
Negative:
-1 x -279989-41 x -6829
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 279,989, 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 | 279,989 | |
-1 | -279,989 |
When you multiply two negative numbers together, you get a positive number. That means both the positive and negative numbers are factors of 279,989.
Example:
1 x 279,989 = 279,989
and
-1 x -279,989 = 279,989
Notice both answers equal 279,989
With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 279,989 and divide it by 2:
279,989 ÷ 2 = 139,994.5
If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 139,994.5 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 | 279,989 | |
-1 | -279,989 |
Now, we try dividing 279,989 by 3:
279,989 ÷ 3 = 93,329.6667
If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 93,329.6667 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 | 279,989 | |
-1 | -279,989 |
Let's try dividing by 4:
279,989 ÷ 4 = 69,997.25
If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 69,997.25 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 | 279,989 | |
-1 | 279,989 |
If you did it right, you will end up with this table:
1 | 41 | 6,829 | 279,989 |
-1 | -41 | -6,829 | -279,989 |
Here are some more numbers to try:
Try the factor calculator