Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 72,655?
A:
Positive:
1 x 726555 x 1453111 x 660555 x 1321
Negative:
-1 x -72655-5 x -14531-11 x -6605-55 x -1321
A:
Positive:
1 x 726555 x 1453111 x 660555 x 1321
Negative:
-1 x -72655-5 x -14531-11 x -6605-55 x -1321
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 72,655, 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 | 72,655 | |
-1 | -72,655 |
When you multiply two negative numbers together, you get a positive number. That means both the positive and negative numbers are factors of 72,655.
Example:
1 x 72,655 = 72,655
and
-1 x -72,655 = 72,655
Notice both answers equal 72,655
With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 72,655 and divide it by 2:
72,655 ÷ 2 = 36,327.5
If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 36,327.5 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 | 72,655 | |
-1 | -72,655 |
Now, we try dividing 72,655 by 3:
72,655 ÷ 3 = 24,218.3333
If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 24,218.3333 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 | 72,655 | |
-1 | -72,655 |
Let's try dividing by 4:
72,655 ÷ 4 = 18,163.75
If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 18,163.75 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 | 72,655 | |
-1 | 72,655 |
If you did it right, you will end up with this table:
1 | 5 | 11 | 55 | 1,321 | 6,605 | 14,531 | 72,655 |
-1 | -5 | -11 | -55 | -1,321 | -6,605 | -14,531 | -72,655 |
Here are some more numbers to try:
Try the factor calculator