Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 142,919?

 A:
Positive:   1 x 1429197 x 2041717 x 8407119 x 1201
Negative: -1 x -142919-7 x -20417-17 x -8407-119 x -1201


How do I find the factor combinations of the number 142,919?

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 142,919, 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.

1 142,919
-1 -142,919

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 142,919.

Example:
1 x 142,919 = 142,919
and
-1 x -142,919 = 142,919
Notice both answers equal 142,919

With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 142,919 and divide it by 2:

142,919 ÷ 2 = 71,459.5

If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 71,459.5 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:

1 142,919
-1 -142,919

Now, we try dividing 142,919 by 3:

142,919 ÷ 3 = 47,639.6667

If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 47,639.6667 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:

1 142,919
-1 -142,919

Let's try dividing by 4:

142,919 ÷ 4 = 35,729.75

If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 35,729.75 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:

1 142,919
-1 142,919
Keep dividing by the next highest number until you cannot divide anymore.

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

17171191,2018,40720,417142,919
-1-7-17-119-1,201-8,407-20,417-142,919

More Examples

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