Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 725,281?

 A:
Positive:   1 x 72528143 x 16867101 x 7181167 x 4343
Negative: -1 x -725281-43 x -16867-101 x -7181-167 x -4343


How do I find the factor combinations of the number 725,281?

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 725,281, 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.

1 725,281
-1 -725,281

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 725,281.

Example:
1 x 725,281 = 725,281
and
-1 x -725,281 = 725,281
Notice both answers equal 725,281

With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 725,281 and divide it by 2:

725,281 ÷ 2 = 362,640.5

If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 362,640.5 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:

1 725,281
-1 -725,281

Now, we try dividing 725,281 by 3:

725,281 ÷ 3 = 241,760.3333

If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 241,760.3333 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:

1 725,281
-1 -725,281

Let's try dividing by 4:

725,281 ÷ 4 = 181,320.25

If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 181,320.25 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:

1 725,281
-1 725,281
Keep dividing by the next highest number until you cannot divide anymore.

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

1431011674,3437,18116,867725,281
-1-43-101-167-4,343-7,181-16,867-725,281

More Examples

Here are some more numbers to try:

Try the factor calculator

Explore more about the number 725,281:


Ask a Question