Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 295,931?
A:
Positive:
1 x 295931139 x 2129
Negative:
-1 x -295931-139 x -2129
A:
Positive:
1 x 295931139 x 2129
Negative:
-1 x -295931-139 x -2129
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 295,931, 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 | 295,931 | |
-1 | -295,931 |
When you multiply two negative numbers together, you get a positive number. That means both the positive and negative numbers are factors of 295,931.
Example:
1 x 295,931 = 295,931
and
-1 x -295,931 = 295,931
Notice both answers equal 295,931
With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 295,931 and divide it by 2:
295,931 ÷ 2 = 147,965.5
If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 147,965.5 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 | 295,931 | |
-1 | -295,931 |
Now, we try dividing 295,931 by 3:
295,931 ÷ 3 = 98,643.6667
If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 98,643.6667 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 | 295,931 | |
-1 | -295,931 |
Let's try dividing by 4:
295,931 ÷ 4 = 73,982.75
If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 73,982.75 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 | 295,931 | |
-1 | 295,931 |
If you did it right, you will end up with this table:
1 | 139 | 2,129 | 295,931 |
-1 | -139 | -2,129 | -295,931 |
Here are some more numbers to try:
Try the factor calculator