Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 218,893?
A:
Positive:
1 x 21889371 x 3083
Negative:
-1 x -218893-71 x -3083
A:
Positive:
1 x 21889371 x 3083
Negative:
-1 x -218893-71 x -3083
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 218,893, 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 | 218,893 | |
-1 | -218,893 |
When you multiply two negative numbers together, you get a positive number. That means both the positive and negative numbers are factors of 218,893.
Example:
1 x 218,893 = 218,893
and
-1 x -218,893 = 218,893
Notice both answers equal 218,893
With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 218,893 and divide it by 2:
218,893 ÷ 2 = 109,446.5
If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 109,446.5 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 | 218,893 | |
-1 | -218,893 |
Now, we try dividing 218,893 by 3:
218,893 ÷ 3 = 72,964.3333
If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 72,964.3333 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 | 218,893 | |
-1 | -218,893 |
Let's try dividing by 4:
218,893 ÷ 4 = 54,723.25
If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 54,723.25 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 | 218,893 | |
-1 | 218,893 |
If you did it right, you will end up with this table:
1 | 71 | 3,083 | 218,893 |
-1 | -71 | -3,083 | -218,893 |
Here are some more numbers to try:
Try the factor calculator