Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 2,875?
A:
Positive:
1 x 28755 x 57523 x 12525 x 115
Negative:
-1 x -2875-5 x -575-23 x -125-25 x -115
A:
Positive:
1 x 28755 x 57523 x 12525 x 115
Negative:
-1 x -2875-5 x -575-23 x -125-25 x -115
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 2,875, 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 | 2,875 | |
-1 | -2,875 |
When you multiply two negative numbers together, you get a positive number. That means both the positive and negative numbers are factors of 2,875.
Example:
1 x 2,875 = 2,875
and
-1 x -2,875 = 2,875
Notice both answers equal 2,875
With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 2,875 and divide it by 2:
2,875 ÷ 2 = 1,437.5
If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 1,437.5 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 | 2,875 | |
-1 | -2,875 |
Now, we try dividing 2,875 by 3:
2,875 ÷ 3 = 958.3333
If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 958.3333 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 | 2,875 | |
-1 | -2,875 |
Let's try dividing by 4:
2,875 ÷ 4 = 718.75
If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 718.75 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 | 2,875 | |
-1 | 2,875 |
If you did it right, you will end up with this table:
1 | 5 | 23 | 25 | 115 | 125 | 575 | 2,875 |
-1 | -5 | -23 | -25 | -115 | -125 | -575 | -2,875 |
Here are some more numbers to try:
Try the factor calculator