Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 280,807?

 A:
Positive:   1 x 28080723 x 1220929 x 9683421 x 667
Negative: -1 x -280807-23 x -12209-29 x -9683-421 x -667


How do I find the factor combinations of the number 280,807?

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 280,807, 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.

1 280,807
-1 -280,807

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 280,807.

Example:
1 x 280,807 = 280,807
and
-1 x -280,807 = 280,807
Notice both answers equal 280,807

With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 280,807 and divide it by 2:

280,807 ÷ 2 = 140,403.5

If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 140,403.5 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:

1 280,807
-1 -280,807

Now, we try dividing 280,807 by 3:

280,807 ÷ 3 = 93,602.3333

If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 93,602.3333 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:

1 280,807
-1 -280,807

Let's try dividing by 4:

280,807 ÷ 4 = 70,201.75

If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 70,201.75 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:

1 280,807
-1 280,807
Keep dividing by the next highest number until you cannot divide anymore.

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

123294216679,68312,209280,807
-1-23-29-421-667-9,683-12,209-280,807

More Examples

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