Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 6,851?
A:
Positive:
1 x 685113 x 52717 x 40331 x 221
Negative:
-1 x -6851-13 x -527-17 x -403-31 x -221
A:
Positive:
1 x 685113 x 52717 x 40331 x 221
Negative:
-1 x -6851-13 x -527-17 x -403-31 x -221
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 6,851, 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 | 6,851 | |
-1 | -6,851 |
When you multiply two negative numbers together, you get a positive number. That means both the positive and negative numbers are factors of 6,851.
Example:
1 x 6,851 = 6,851
and
-1 x -6,851 = 6,851
Notice both answers equal 6,851
With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 6,851 and divide it by 2:
6,851 ÷ 2 = 3,425.5
If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 3,425.5 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 | 6,851 | |
-1 | -6,851 |
Now, we try dividing 6,851 by 3:
6,851 ÷ 3 = 2,283.6667
If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 2,283.6667 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 | 6,851 | |
-1 | -6,851 |
Let's try dividing by 4:
6,851 ÷ 4 = 1,712.75
If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 1,712.75 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 | 6,851 | |
-1 | 6,851 |
If you did it right, you will end up with this table:
1 | 13 | 17 | 31 | 221 | 403 | 527 | 6,851 |
-1 | -13 | -17 | -31 | -221 | -403 | -527 | -6,851 |
Here are some more numbers to try:
Try the factor calculator