Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 287,209?
A:
Positive:
1 x 28720913 x 22093
Negative:
-1 x -287209-13 x -22093
A:
Positive:
1 x 28720913 x 22093
Negative:
-1 x -287209-13 x -22093
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 287,209, 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 | 287,209 | |
-1 | -287,209 |
When you multiply two negative numbers together, you get a positive number. That means both the positive and negative numbers are factors of 287,209.
Example:
1 x 287,209 = 287,209
and
-1 x -287,209 = 287,209
Notice both answers equal 287,209
With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 287,209 and divide it by 2:
287,209 ÷ 2 = 143,604.5
If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 143,604.5 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 | 287,209 | |
-1 | -287,209 |
Now, we try dividing 287,209 by 3:
287,209 ÷ 3 = 95,736.3333
If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 95,736.3333 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 | 287,209 | |
-1 | -287,209 |
Let's try dividing by 4:
287,209 ÷ 4 = 71,802.25
If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 71,802.25 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 | 287,209 | |
-1 | 287,209 |
If you did it right, you will end up with this table:
1 | 13 | 22,093 | 287,209 |
-1 | -13 | -22,093 | -287,209 |
Here are some more numbers to try:
Try the factor calculator