Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 85,885?
A:
Positive:
1 x 858855 x 1717789 x 965193 x 445
Negative:
-1 x -85885-5 x -17177-89 x -965-193 x -445
A:
Positive:
1 x 858855 x 1717789 x 965193 x 445
Negative:
-1 x -85885-5 x -17177-89 x -965-193 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 85,885, 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 | 85,885 | |
-1 | -85,885 |
When you multiply two negative numbers together, you get a positive number. That means both the positive and negative numbers are factors of 85,885.
Example:
1 x 85,885 = 85,885
and
-1 x -85,885 = 85,885
Notice both answers equal 85,885
With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 85,885 and divide it by 2:
85,885 ÷ 2 = 42,942.5
If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 42,942.5 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 | 85,885 | |
-1 | -85,885 |
Now, we try dividing 85,885 by 3:
85,885 ÷ 3 = 28,628.3333
If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 28,628.3333 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 | 85,885 | |
-1 | -85,885 |
Let's try dividing by 4:
85,885 ÷ 4 = 21,471.25
If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 21,471.25 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 | 85,885 | |
-1 | 85,885 |
If you did it right, you will end up with this table:
1 | 5 | 89 | 193 | 445 | 965 | 17,177 | 85,885 |
-1 | -5 | -89 | -193 | -445 | -965 | -17,177 | -85,885 |
Here are some more numbers to try:
Try the factor calculator