Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 271,399?

 A:
Positive:   1 x 271399127 x 2137
Negative: -1 x -271399-127 x -2137


How do I find the factor combinations of the number 271,399?

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 271,399, 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.

1 271,399
-1 -271,399

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 271,399.

Example:
1 x 271,399 = 271,399
and
-1 x -271,399 = 271,399
Notice both answers equal 271,399

With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 271,399 and divide it by 2:

271,399 ÷ 2 = 135,699.5

If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 135,699.5 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:

1 271,399
-1 -271,399

Now, we try dividing 271,399 by 3:

271,399 ÷ 3 = 90,466.3333

If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 90,466.3333 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:

1 271,399
-1 -271,399

Let's try dividing by 4:

271,399 ÷ 4 = 67,849.75

If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 67,849.75 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:

1 271,399
-1 271,399
Keep dividing by the next highest number until you cannot divide anymore.

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

11272,137271,399
-1-127-2,137-271,399

More Examples

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