Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 521,155?
A:
Positive:
1 x 5211555 x 104231
Negative:
-1 x -521155-5 x -104231
A:
Positive:
1 x 5211555 x 104231
Negative:
-1 x -521155-5 x -104231
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 521,155, 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 | 521,155 | |
-1 | -521,155 |
When you multiply two negative numbers together, you get a positive number. That means both the positive and negative numbers are factors of 521,155.
Example:
1 x 521,155 = 521,155
and
-1 x -521,155 = 521,155
Notice both answers equal 521,155
With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 521,155 and divide it by 2:
521,155 ÷ 2 = 260,577.5
If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 260,577.5 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 | 521,155 | |
-1 | -521,155 |
Now, we try dividing 521,155 by 3:
521,155 ÷ 3 = 173,718.3333
If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 173,718.3333 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 | 521,155 | |
-1 | -521,155 |
Let's try dividing by 4:
521,155 ÷ 4 = 130,288.75
If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 130,288.75 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 | 521,155 | |
-1 | 521,155 |
If you did it right, you will end up with this table:
1 | 5 | 104,231 | 521,155 |
-1 | -5 | -104,231 | -521,155 |
Here are some more numbers to try:
Try the factor calculator