Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 287,213?
A:
Positive:
1 x 287213503 x 571
Negative:
-1 x -287213-503 x -571
A:
Positive:
1 x 287213503 x 571
Negative:
-1 x -287213-503 x -571
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 287,213, 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 | 287,213 | |
-1 | -287,213 |
When you multiply two negative numbers together, you get a positive number. That means both the positive and negative numbers are factors of 287,213.
Example:
1 x 287,213 = 287,213
and
-1 x -287,213 = 287,213
Notice both answers equal 287,213
With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 287,213 and divide it by 2:
287,213 ÷ 2 = 143,606.5
If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 143,606.5 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 | 287,213 | |
-1 | -287,213 |
Now, we try dividing 287,213 by 3:
287,213 ÷ 3 = 95,737.6667
If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 95,737.6667 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 | 287,213 | |
-1 | -287,213 |
Let's try dividing by 4:
287,213 ÷ 4 = 71,803.25
If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 71,803.25 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 | 287,213 | |
-1 | 287,213 |
If you did it right, you will end up with this table:
1 | 503 | 571 | 287,213 |
-1 | -503 | -571 | -287,213 |
Here are some more numbers to try:
Try the factor calculator