Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 282,727?
A:
Positive:
1 x 28272717 x 16631
Negative:
-1 x -282727-17 x -16631
A:
Positive:
1 x 28272717 x 16631
Negative:
-1 x -282727-17 x -16631
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 282,727, 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 | 282,727 | |
-1 | -282,727 |
When you multiply two negative numbers together, you get a positive number. That means both the positive and negative numbers are factors of 282,727.
Example:
1 x 282,727 = 282,727
and
-1 x -282,727 = 282,727
Notice both answers equal 282,727
With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 282,727 and divide it by 2:
282,727 ÷ 2 = 141,363.5
If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 141,363.5 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 | 282,727 | |
-1 | -282,727 |
Now, we try dividing 282,727 by 3:
282,727 ÷ 3 = 94,242.3333
If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 94,242.3333 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 | 282,727 | |
-1 | -282,727 |
Let's try dividing by 4:
282,727 ÷ 4 = 70,681.75
If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 70,681.75 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 | 282,727 | |
-1 | 282,727 |
If you did it right, you will end up with this table:
1 | 17 | 16,631 | 282,727 |
-1 | -17 | -16,631 | -282,727 |
Here are some more numbers to try:
Try the factor calculator