120 LearnersLast updated on May 26th, 2025
Factors of 255
Factors are the numbers that divide any given number evenly without a remainder. In daily life, we use factors for tasks like sharing items equally, arranging things, etc. In this topic, we will learn about the factors of 255, how they are used in real life, and tips to learn them quickly.
What are the Factors of 255?
The numbers that divide 255 evenly are known as factors of 255.
A factor of 255 is a number that divides the number without a remainder.
The factors of 255 are 1, 3, 5, 15, 17, 51, 85, and 255.
Negative factors of 255: -1, -3, -5, -15, -17, -51, -85, and -255.
Prime factors of 255: 3, 5, and 17.
Prime factorization of 255: 3 × 5 × 17.
The sum of factors of 255: 1 + 3 + 5 + 15 + 17 + 51 + 85 + 255 = 432
How to Find Factors of 255?
Factors can be found using different methods. Mentioned below are some commonly used methods:
- Finding factors using multiplication
- Finding factors using the division method
- Prime factors and Prime factorization
Finding Factors Using Multiplication
To find factors using multiplication, we need to identify the pairs of numbers that are multiplied to give 255. Identifying the numbers which are multiplied to get the number 255 is the multiplication method.
Step 1: Multiply 255 by 1, 255 × 1 = 255.
Step 2: Check for other numbers that give 255 after multiplying
3 × 85 = 255
5 × 51 = 255
15 × 17 = 255
Therefore, the positive factor pairs of 255 are: (1, 255), (3, 85), (5, 51), (15, 17). For every positive factor, there is a negative factor.
Finding Factors Using Division Method
Dividing the given number with whole numbers until the remainder becomes zero and listing out the numbers which result as whole numbers as factors. Factors can be calculated by following a simple division method -
Step 1: Divide 255 by 1, 255 ÷ 1 = 255.
Step 2: Continue dividing 255 by the numbers until the remainder becomes 0.
255 ÷ 1 = 255
255 ÷ 3 = 85
255 ÷ 5 = 51
255 ÷ 15 = 17
Therefore, the factors of 255 are: 1, 3, 5, 15, 17, 51, 85, 255.
Prime Factors and Prime Factorization
The factors can be found by dividing it with prime numbers. We can find the prime factors using the following methods:
- Using prime factorization
- Using factor tree
Using Prime Factorization: In this process, prime factors of 255 divide the number to break it down in the multiplication form of prime factors till the remainder becomes 1.
255 ÷ 3 = 85
85 ÷ 5 = 17
17 ÷ 17 = 1
The prime factors of 255 are 3, 5, and 17.
The prime factorization of 255 is: 3 × 5 × 17.
Factor Tree
The factor tree is the graphical representation of breaking down any number into prime factors. The following step shows -
Step 1: Firstly, 255 is divided by 3 to get 85.
Step 2: Now divide 85 by 5 to get 17.
Step 3: Here, 17 is a prime number, that cannot be divided anymore.
So, the prime factorization of 255 is: 3 × 5 × 17.
Factor Pairs: Two numbers that are multiplied to give a specific number are called factor pairs. Both positive and negative factors constitute factor pairs.
Positive factor pairs of 255: (1, 255), (3, 85), (5, 51), (15, 17).
Negative factor pairs of 255: (-1, -255), (-3, -85), (-5, -51), (-15, -17).
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them in Factors of 255
Mistakes are common while finding factors. We can identify and correct those mistakes using the following common mistakes and the ways to avoid them.
Mistake 1
Forgetting the number itself and 1 is a factor
Children might forget to add the given number itself and 1 as a factor. The number itself and 1 are the factors for every number. Always remember to include 1 and the number itself.
For example, in factors of 255, 1 and 255 are also factors.
Mistake 2
Missing Negative Factors
We tend to mention only positive factors every time. There are also negative factors, always check whether you have mentioned negative factors.
For example, the factors of 255 consist of -1, -3, -5, etc.
Mistake 3
Including the Fraction
Children might sometimes add fractions also as factors. Only whole numbers can be a factor.
For example, thinking 2.5 as a factor, because 255/2.5 = 102, and it is not a whole number.
Mistake 4
Confusing Factors With Prime Numbers
Remember that factors can be any whole numbers, not only just primes.
For example, thinking all the factors of 255 are prime numbers. For example, 3, 5, and 17 are the prime factors of 255, but it has other factors like 15, 51.
Mistake 5
Mistake in Factorization
Children might skip the steps in factorization and end up writing the wrong factors.
For example, not breaking 255 as 3 × 5 × 17 and missing all the key factors.
Factors of 255 Examples
Problem 1
There are 3 teams and 255 points. How will they divide it equally?
They will get 85 points each.
Explanation
To divide the points equally, we need to divide the total points with the number of teams.
255/3 = 85
Problem 2
A classroom is rectangular, the length of the room is 15 meters and the total area is 255 square meters. Find the width?
17 meters.
Explanation
To find the width of the room, we use the formula, Area = length × width
255 = 15 × width
To find the value of width, we need to shift 15 to the left side.
255/15 = width
Width = 17.
Problem 3
There are 5 groups and 255 candies. How many candies will be in each group?
Each group will have 51 candies.
Explanation
To find the candies in each group, divide the total candies by the number of groups.
255/5 = 51
Problem 4
In a workshop, there are 255 participants, and 15 breakout rooms. How many participants are in each room?
There are 17 participants in each room.
Explanation
Dividing the participants by the total number of rooms, we will get the number of participants in each room.
255/15 = 17
Problem 5
255 apples need to be packed into 51 boxes. How many apples will go in each box?
Each of the boxes has 5 apples.
Explanation
Divide total apples by the number of boxes.
255/51 = 5
FAQs on Factors of 255
1.What are the factors of 255?
2.Mention the prime factors of 255.
3.Is 255 a multiple of 17?
4.Mention the factor pairs of 255?
5.What is the square of 255?
Important Glossaries for Factor of 255
- Factors: The numbers that divide the given number without leaving a remainder are called factors. For example, the factors of 255 are 1, 3, 5, 15, 17, 51, 85, and 255.
- Prime factors: The factors which are prime numbers. For example, 3, 5, and 17 are prime factors of 255.
- Factor pairs: Two numbers in a pair that are multiplied to give the original number are called factor pairs. For example, the factor pairs of 255 are (1, 255), (3, 85), etc.
- Factorization: The process of breaking down a number into its prime factors. For example, the factorization of 255 is 3 × 5 × 17.
- Negative factors: Factors that are negative numbers. For example, the negative factors of 255 are -1, -3, -5, -15, -17, -51, -85, and -255.
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Hiralee Lalitkumar Makwana
About the Author
Hiralee Lalitkumar Makwana has almost two years of teaching experience. She is a number ninja as she loves numbers. Her interest in numbers can be seen in the way she cracks math puzzles and hidden patterns.
Fun Fact
: She loves to read number jokes and games.
