Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 715?

 A:
Positive:   1 x 7155 x 14311 x 6513 x 55
Negative: -1 x -715-5 x -143-11 x -65-13 x -55


How do I find the factor combinations of the number 715?

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 715, 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.

1 715
-1 -715

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 715.

Example:
1 x 715 = 715
and
-1 x -715 = 715
Notice both answers equal 715

With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 715 and divide it by 2:

715 ÷ 2 = 357.5

If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 357.5 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:

1 715
-1 -715

Now, we try dividing 715 by 3:

715 ÷ 3 = 238.3333

If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 238.3333 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:

1 715
-1 -715

Let's try dividing by 4:

715 ÷ 4 = 178.75

If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 178.75 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:

1 715
-1 715
Keep dividing by the next highest number until you cannot divide anymore.

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

1511135565143715
-1-5-11-13-55-65-143-715

More Examples

Here are some more numbers to try:

Try the factor calculator

Explore more about the number 715:


Ask a Question