Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 15,215?
A:
Positive:
1 x 152155 x 304317 x 89585 x 179
Negative:
-1 x -15215-5 x -3043-17 x -895-85 x -179
A:
Positive:
1 x 152155 x 304317 x 89585 x 179
Negative:
-1 x -15215-5 x -3043-17 x -895-85 x -179
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 15,215, 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 | 15,215 | |
-1 | -15,215 |
When you multiply two negative numbers together, you get a positive number. That means both the positive and negative numbers are factors of 15,215.
Example:
1 x 15,215 = 15,215
and
-1 x -15,215 = 15,215
Notice both answers equal 15,215
With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 15,215 and divide it by 2:
15,215 ÷ 2 = 7,607.5
If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 7,607.5 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 | 15,215 | |
-1 | -15,215 |
Now, we try dividing 15,215 by 3:
15,215 ÷ 3 = 5,071.6667
If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 5,071.6667 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 | 15,215 | |
-1 | -15,215 |
Let's try dividing by 4:
15,215 ÷ 4 = 3,803.75
If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 3,803.75 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 | 15,215 | |
-1 | 15,215 |
If you did it right, you will end up with this table:
1 | 5 | 17 | 85 | 179 | 895 | 3,043 | 15,215 |
-1 | -5 | -17 | -85 | -179 | -895 | -3,043 | -15,215 |
Here are some more numbers to try:
Try the factor calculator