Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 83,855?
A:
Positive:
1 x 838555 x 1677131 x 2705155 x 541
Negative:
-1 x -83855-5 x -16771-31 x -2705-155 x -541
A:
Positive:
1 x 838555 x 1677131 x 2705155 x 541
Negative:
-1 x -83855-5 x -16771-31 x -2705-155 x -541
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 83,855, 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 | 83,855 | |
-1 | -83,855 |
When you multiply two negative numbers together, you get a positive number. That means both the positive and negative numbers are factors of 83,855.
Example:
1 x 83,855 = 83,855
and
-1 x -83,855 = 83,855
Notice both answers equal 83,855
With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 83,855 and divide it by 2:
83,855 ÷ 2 = 41,927.5
If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 41,927.5 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 | 83,855 | |
-1 | -83,855 |
Now, we try dividing 83,855 by 3:
83,855 ÷ 3 = 27,951.6667
If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 27,951.6667 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 | 83,855 | |
-1 | -83,855 |
Let's try dividing by 4:
83,855 ÷ 4 = 20,963.75
If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 20,963.75 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 | 83,855 | |
-1 | 83,855 |
If you did it right, you will end up with this table:
1 | 5 | 31 | 155 | 541 | 2,705 | 16,771 | 83,855 |
-1 | -5 | -31 | -155 | -541 | -2,705 | -16,771 | -83,855 |
Here are some more numbers to try:
Try the factor calculator