Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 76,985?
A:
Positive:
1 x 769855 x 1539789 x 865173 x 445
Negative:
-1 x -76985-5 x -15397-89 x -865-173 x -445
A:
Positive:
1 x 769855 x 1539789 x 865173 x 445
Negative:
-1 x -76985-5 x -15397-89 x -865-173 x -445
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 76,985, 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 | 76,985 | |
-1 | -76,985 |
When you multiply two negative numbers together, you get a positive number. That means both the positive and negative numbers are factors of 76,985.
Example:
1 x 76,985 = 76,985
and
-1 x -76,985 = 76,985
Notice both answers equal 76,985
With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 76,985 and divide it by 2:
76,985 ÷ 2 = 38,492.5
If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 38,492.5 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 | 76,985 | |
-1 | -76,985 |
Now, we try dividing 76,985 by 3:
76,985 ÷ 3 = 25,661.6667
If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 25,661.6667 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 | 76,985 | |
-1 | -76,985 |
Let's try dividing by 4:
76,985 ÷ 4 = 19,246.25
If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 19,246.25 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 | 76,985 | |
-1 | 76,985 |
If you did it right, you will end up with this table:
1 | 5 | 89 | 173 | 445 | 865 | 15,397 | 76,985 |
-1 | -5 | -89 | -173 | -445 | -865 | -15,397 | -76,985 |
Here are some more numbers to try:
Try the factor calculator