Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 30,857?
A:
Positive:
1 x 3085759 x 523
Negative:
-1 x -30857-59 x -523
A:
Positive:
1 x 3085759 x 523
Negative:
-1 x -30857-59 x -523
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 30,857, 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 | 30,857 | |
-1 | -30,857 |
When you multiply two negative numbers together, you get a positive number. That means both the positive and negative numbers are factors of 30,857.
Example:
1 x 30,857 = 30,857
and
-1 x -30,857 = 30,857
Notice both answers equal 30,857
With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 30,857 and divide it by 2:
30,857 ÷ 2 = 15,428.5
If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 15,428.5 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 | 30,857 | |
-1 | -30,857 |
Now, we try dividing 30,857 by 3:
30,857 ÷ 3 = 10,285.6667
If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 10,285.6667 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 | 30,857 | |
-1 | -30,857 |
Let's try dividing by 4:
30,857 ÷ 4 = 7,714.25
If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 7,714.25 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 | 30,857 | |
-1 | 30,857 |
If you did it right, you will end up with this table:
1 | 59 | 523 | 30,857 |
-1 | -59 | -523 | -30,857 |
Here are some more numbers to try:
Try the factor calculator