Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 85,915?
A:
Positive:
1 x 859155 x 17183
Negative:
-1 x -85915-5 x -17183
A:
Positive:
1 x 859155 x 17183
Negative:
-1 x -85915-5 x -17183
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 85,915, 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 | 85,915 | |
-1 | -85,915 |
When you multiply two negative numbers together, you get a positive number. That means both the positive and negative numbers are factors of 85,915.
Example:
1 x 85,915 = 85,915
and
-1 x -85,915 = 85,915
Notice both answers equal 85,915
With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 85,915 and divide it by 2:
85,915 ÷ 2 = 42,957.5
If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 42,957.5 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 | 85,915 | |
-1 | -85,915 |
Now, we try dividing 85,915 by 3:
85,915 ÷ 3 = 28,638.3333
If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 28,638.3333 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 | 85,915 | |
-1 | -85,915 |
Let's try dividing by 4:
85,915 ÷ 4 = 21,478.75
If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 21,478.75 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 | 85,915 | |
-1 | 85,915 |
If you did it right, you will end up with this table:
1 | 5 | 17,183 | 85,915 |
-1 | -5 | -17,183 | -85,915 |
Here are some more numbers to try:
Try the factor calculator