Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 316,985?
A:
Positive:
1 x 3169855 x 63397
Negative:
-1 x -316985-5 x -63397
A:
Positive:
1 x 3169855 x 63397
Negative:
-1 x -316985-5 x -63397
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 316,985, 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 | 316,985 | |
-1 | -316,985 |
When you multiply two negative numbers together, you get a positive number. That means both the positive and negative numbers are factors of 316,985.
Example:
1 x 316,985 = 316,985
and
-1 x -316,985 = 316,985
Notice both answers equal 316,985
With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 316,985 and divide it by 2:
316,985 ÷ 2 = 158,492.5
If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 158,492.5 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 | 316,985 | |
-1 | -316,985 |
Now, we try dividing 316,985 by 3:
316,985 ÷ 3 = 105,661.6667
If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 105,661.6667 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 | 316,985 | |
-1 | -316,985 |
Let's try dividing by 4:
316,985 ÷ 4 = 79,246.25
If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 79,246.25 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 | 316,985 | |
-1 | 316,985 |
If you did it right, you will end up with this table:
1 | 5 | 63,397 | 316,985 |
-1 | -5 | -63,397 | -316,985 |
Here are some more numbers to try:
Try the factor calculator