Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 216,565?

 A:
Positive:   1 x 2165655 x 43313
Negative: -1 x -216565-5 x -43313


How do I find the factor combinations of the number 216,565?

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 216,565, 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.

1 216,565
-1 -216,565

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 216,565.

Example:
1 x 216,565 = 216,565
and
-1 x -216,565 = 216,565
Notice both answers equal 216,565

With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 216,565 and divide it by 2:

216,565 ÷ 2 = 108,282.5

If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 108,282.5 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:

1 216,565
-1 -216,565

Now, we try dividing 216,565 by 3:

216,565 ÷ 3 = 72,188.3333

If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 72,188.3333 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:

1 216,565
-1 -216,565

Let's try dividing by 4:

216,565 ÷ 4 = 54,141.25

If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 54,141.25 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:

1 216,565
-1 216,565
Keep dividing by the next highest number until you cannot divide anymore.

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

1543,313216,565
-1-5-43,313-216,565

More Examples

Here are some more numbers to try:

Try the factor calculator

Explore more about the number 216,565:


Ask a Question