Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 205,055?

 A:
Positive:   1 x 2050555 x 41011
Negative: -1 x -205055-5 x -41011


How do I find the factor combinations of the number 205,055?

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 205,055, 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.

1 205,055
-1 -205,055

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 205,055.

Example:
1 x 205,055 = 205,055
and
-1 x -205,055 = 205,055
Notice both answers equal 205,055

With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 205,055 and divide it by 2:

205,055 ÷ 2 = 102,527.5

If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 102,527.5 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:

1 205,055
-1 -205,055

Now, we try dividing 205,055 by 3:

205,055 ÷ 3 = 68,351.6667

If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 68,351.6667 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:

1 205,055
-1 -205,055

Let's try dividing by 4:

205,055 ÷ 4 = 51,263.75

If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 51,263.75 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:

1 205,055
-1 205,055
Keep dividing by the next highest number until you cannot divide anymore.

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

1541,011205,055
-1-5-41,011-205,055

More Examples

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