Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 142,477?

 A:
Positive:   1 x 14247717 x 838129 x 4913289 x 493
Negative: -1 x -142477-17 x -8381-29 x -4913-289 x -493


How do I find the factor combinations of the number 142,477?

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 142,477, 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.

1 142,477
-1 -142,477

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 142,477.

Example:
1 x 142,477 = 142,477
and
-1 x -142,477 = 142,477
Notice both answers equal 142,477

With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 142,477 and divide it by 2:

142,477 ÷ 2 = 71,238.5

If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 71,238.5 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:

1 142,477
-1 -142,477

Now, we try dividing 142,477 by 3:

142,477 ÷ 3 = 47,492.3333

If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 47,492.3333 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:

1 142,477
-1 -142,477

Let's try dividing by 4:

142,477 ÷ 4 = 35,619.25

If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 35,619.25 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:

1 142,477
-1 142,477
Keep dividing by the next highest number until you cannot divide anymore.

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

117292894934,9138,381142,477
-1-17-29-289-493-4,913-8,381-142,477

More Examples

Here are some more numbers to try:

Try the factor calculator

Explore more about the number 142,477:


Ask a Question