Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 222,503?
A:
Positive:
1 x 222503101 x 2203
Negative:
-1 x -222503-101 x -2203
A:
Positive:
1 x 222503101 x 2203
Negative:
-1 x -222503-101 x -2203
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 222,503, 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 | 222,503 | |
-1 | -222,503 |
When you multiply two negative numbers together, you get a positive number. That means both the positive and negative numbers are factors of 222,503.
Example:
1 x 222,503 = 222,503
and
-1 x -222,503 = 222,503
Notice both answers equal 222,503
With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 222,503 and divide it by 2:
222,503 ÷ 2 = 111,251.5
If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 111,251.5 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 | 222,503 | |
-1 | -222,503 |
Now, we try dividing 222,503 by 3:
222,503 ÷ 3 = 74,167.6667
If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 74,167.6667 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 | 222,503 | |
-1 | -222,503 |
Let's try dividing by 4:
222,503 ÷ 4 = 55,625.75
If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 55,625.75 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 | 222,503 | |
-1 | 222,503 |
If you did it right, you will end up with this table:
1 | 101 | 2,203 | 222,503 |
-1 | -101 | -2,203 | -222,503 |
Here are some more numbers to try:
Try the factor calculator