Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 285,247?
A:
Positive:
1 x 28524719 x 15013
Negative:
-1 x -285247-19 x -15013
A:
Positive:
1 x 28524719 x 15013
Negative:
-1 x -285247-19 x -15013
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 285,247, 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 | 285,247 | |
-1 | -285,247 |
When you multiply two negative numbers together, you get a positive number. That means both the positive and negative numbers are factors of 285,247.
Example:
1 x 285,247 = 285,247
and
-1 x -285,247 = 285,247
Notice both answers equal 285,247
With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 285,247 and divide it by 2:
285,247 ÷ 2 = 142,623.5
If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 142,623.5 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 | 285,247 | |
-1 | -285,247 |
Now, we try dividing 285,247 by 3:
285,247 ÷ 3 = 95,082.3333
If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 95,082.3333 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 | 285,247 | |
-1 | -285,247 |
Let's try dividing by 4:
285,247 ÷ 4 = 71,311.75
If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 71,311.75 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 | 285,247 | |
-1 | 285,247 |
If you did it right, you will end up with this table:
1 | 19 | 15,013 | 285,247 |
-1 | -19 | -15,013 | -285,247 |
Here are some more numbers to try:
Try the factor calculator