Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 85,713,178?
A:
Positive:
1 x 857131782 x 42856589
Negative:
-1 x -85713178-2 x -42856589
A:
Positive:
1 x 857131782 x 42856589
Negative:
-1 x -85713178-2 x -42856589
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 85,713,178, 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 | 85,713,178 | |
-1 | -85,713,178 |
When you multiply two negative numbers together, you get a positive number. That means both the positive and negative numbers are factors of 85,713,178.
Example:
1 x 85,713,178 = 85,713,178
and
-1 x -85,713,178 = 85,713,178
Notice both answers equal 85,713,178
With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 85,713,178 and divide it by 2:
85,713,178 ÷ 2 = 42,856,589
If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 42,856,589 are factors. In this case, the quotient is a whole number. Write them in the table inside the other two factors like the below example. Don't forget to write the negative numbers too!
Here is what our table should look like at this step:
1 | 2 | 42,856,589 | 85,713,178 | |
-1 | -2 | -42,856,589 | -85,713,178 |
Now, we try dividing 85,713,178 by 3:
85,713,178 ÷ 3 = 28,571,059.3333
If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 28,571,059.3333 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 | 2 | 42,856,589 | 85,713,178 | |
-1 | -2 | -42,856,589 | -85,713,178 |
Let's try dividing by 4:
85,713,178 ÷ 4 = 21,428,294.5
If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 21,428,294.5 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 | 2 | 42,856,589 | 85,713,178 | |
-1 | -2 | -42,856,589 | 85,713,178 |
If you did it right, you will end up with this table:
1 | 2 | 42,856,589 | 85,713,178 |
-1 | -2 | -42,856,589 | -85,713,178 |
Here are some more numbers to try:
Try the factor calculator