Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 295,673?
A:
Positive:
1 x 2956737 x 42239
Negative:
-1 x -295673-7 x -42239
A:
Positive:
1 x 2956737 x 42239
Negative:
-1 x -295673-7 x -42239
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 295,673, 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 | 295,673 | |
-1 | -295,673 |
When you multiply two negative numbers together, you get a positive number. That means both the positive and negative numbers are factors of 295,673.
Example:
1 x 295,673 = 295,673
and
-1 x -295,673 = 295,673
Notice both answers equal 295,673
With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 295,673 and divide it by 2:
295,673 ÷ 2 = 147,836.5
If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 147,836.5 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 | 295,673 | |
-1 | -295,673 |
Now, we try dividing 295,673 by 3:
295,673 ÷ 3 = 98,557.6667
If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 98,557.6667 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 | 295,673 | |
-1 | -295,673 |
Let's try dividing by 4:
295,673 ÷ 4 = 73,918.25
If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 73,918.25 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 | 295,673 | |
-1 | 295,673 |
If you did it right, you will end up with this table:
1 | 7 | 42,239 | 295,673 |
-1 | -7 | -42,239 | -295,673 |
Here are some more numbers to try:
Try the factor calculator