How do I find the factor combinations of the number 136,644?
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 136,644, 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.
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 136,644.
Example:
1 x 136,644 = 136,644
and
-1 x -136,644 = 136,644
Notice both answers equal 136,644
With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 136,644 and divide it by 2:
136,644 ÷ 2 = 68,322
If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 68,322 are factors. In this case, the quotient is a whole number. Write them in the table inside the other two factors like the below example. Don't forget to write the negative numbers too!
Here is what our table should look like at this step:
Now, we try dividing 136,644 by 3:
136,644 ÷ 3 = 45,548
If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 45,548 are factors. In this case, the quotient is a whole number. Write them in the table inside the other two factors like the below example. Don't forget to write the negative numbers too!
Here is what our table should look like at this step:
Let's try dividing by 4:
136,644 ÷ 4 = 34,161
If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 34,161 are factors. In this case, the quotient is a whole number. Write them in the table inside the other two factors like the below example. Don't forget to write the negative numbers too!
Here is what our table should look like at this step:
Keep dividing by the next highest number until you cannot divide anymore.
If you did it right, you will end up with this table:
More Examples
Here are some more numbers to try:
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