Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 290,131?

 A:
Positive:   1 x 29013147 x 6173
Negative: -1 x -290131-47 x -6173


How do I find the factor combinations of the number 290,131?

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 290,131, 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.

1 290,131
-1 -290,131

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 290,131.

Example:
1 x 290,131 = 290,131
and
-1 x -290,131 = 290,131
Notice both answers equal 290,131

With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 290,131 and divide it by 2:

290,131 ÷ 2 = 145,065.5

If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 145,065.5 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:

1 290,131
-1 -290,131

Now, we try dividing 290,131 by 3:

290,131 ÷ 3 = 96,710.3333

If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 96,710.3333 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:

1 290,131
-1 -290,131

Let's try dividing by 4:

290,131 ÷ 4 = 72,532.75

If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 72,532.75 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:

1 290,131
-1 290,131
Keep dividing by the next highest number until you cannot divide anymore.

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

1476,173290,131
-1-47-6,173-290,131

More Examples

Here are some more numbers to try:

Try the factor calculator

Explore more about the number 290,131:


Ask a Question