Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 85,741?
A:
Positive:
1 x 85741179 x 479
Negative:
-1 x -85741-179 x -479
A:
Positive:
1 x 85741179 x 479
Negative:
-1 x -85741-179 x -479
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 85,741, 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 | 85,741 | |
-1 | -85,741 |
When you multiply two negative numbers together, you get a positive number. That means both the positive and negative numbers are factors of 85,741.
Example:
1 x 85,741 = 85,741
and
-1 x -85,741 = 85,741
Notice both answers equal 85,741
With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 85,741 and divide it by 2:
85,741 ÷ 2 = 42,870.5
If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 42,870.5 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 | 85,741 | |
-1 | -85,741 |
Now, we try dividing 85,741 by 3:
85,741 ÷ 3 = 28,580.3333
If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 28,580.3333 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 | 85,741 | |
-1 | -85,741 |
Let's try dividing by 4:
85,741 ÷ 4 = 21,435.25
If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 21,435.25 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 | 85,741 | |
-1 | 85,741 |
If you did it right, you will end up with this table:
1 | 179 | 479 | 85,741 |
-1 | -179 | -479 | -85,741 |
Here are some more numbers to try:
Try the factor calculator