Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 133,901?

 A:
Positive:   1 x 133901293 x 457
Negative: -1 x -133901-293 x -457


How do I find the factor combinations of the number 133,901?

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 133,901, 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.

1 133,901
-1 -133,901

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 133,901.

Example:
1 x 133,901 = 133,901
and
-1 x -133,901 = 133,901
Notice both answers equal 133,901

With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 133,901 and divide it by 2:

133,901 ÷ 2 = 66,950.5

If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 66,950.5 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:

1 133,901
-1 -133,901

Now, we try dividing 133,901 by 3:

133,901 ÷ 3 = 44,633.6667

If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 44,633.6667 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:

1 133,901
-1 -133,901

Let's try dividing by 4:

133,901 ÷ 4 = 33,475.25

If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 33,475.25 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:

1 133,901
-1 133,901
Keep dividing by the next highest number until you cannot divide anymore.

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

1293457133,901
-1-293-457-133,901

More Examples

Here are some more numbers to try:

Try the factor calculator

Explore more about the number 133,901:


Ask a Question