Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 305,087?
A:
Positive:
1 x 30508771 x 4297
Negative:
-1 x -305087-71 x -4297
A:
Positive:
1 x 30508771 x 4297
Negative:
-1 x -305087-71 x -4297
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 305,087, 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 | 305,087 | |
-1 | -305,087 |
When you multiply two negative numbers together, you get a positive number. That means both the positive and negative numbers are factors of 305,087.
Example:
1 x 305,087 = 305,087
and
-1 x -305,087 = 305,087
Notice both answers equal 305,087
With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 305,087 and divide it by 2:
305,087 ÷ 2 = 152,543.5
If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 152,543.5 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 | 305,087 | |
-1 | -305,087 |
Now, we try dividing 305,087 by 3:
305,087 ÷ 3 = 101,695.6667
If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 101,695.6667 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 | 305,087 | |
-1 | -305,087 |
Let's try dividing by 4:
305,087 ÷ 4 = 76,271.75
If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 76,271.75 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 | 305,087 | |
-1 | 305,087 |
If you did it right, you will end up with this table:
1 | 71 | 4,297 | 305,087 |
-1 | -71 | -4,297 | -305,087 |
Here are some more numbers to try:
Try the factor calculator