Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 19,955?

 A:
Positive:   1 x 199555 x 399113 x 153565 x 307
Negative: -1 x -19955-5 x -3991-13 x -1535-65 x -307


How do I find the factor combinations of the number 19,955?

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 19,955, it is easier to work with a table - it's called factoring from the outside in.

Outside in Factoring

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 19,955
-1 -19,955

Why are the negative numbers included?

When you multiply two negative numbers together, you get a positive number. That means both the positive and negative numbers are factors of 19,955.

Example:
1 x 19,955 = 19,955
and
-1 x -19,955 = 19,955
Notice both answers equal 19,955

With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 19,955 and divide it by 2:

19,955 ÷ 2 = 9,977.5

If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 9,977.5 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 19,955
-1 -19,955

Now, we try dividing 19,955 by 3:

19,955 ÷ 3 = 6,651.6667

If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 6,651.6667 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 19,955
-1 -19,955

Let's try dividing by 4:

19,955 ÷ 4 = 4,988.75

If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 4,988.75 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 19,955
-1 19,955
Keep dividing by the next highest number until you cannot divide anymore.

If you did it right, you will end up with this table:

1513653071,5353,99119,955
-1-5-13-65-307-1,535-3,991-19,955

More Examples

Here are some more numbers to try:

Try the factor calculator

Explore more about the number 19,955:


Ask a Question