Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 143,242,529?

 A:
Positive:   1 x 143242529113 x 1267633
Negative: -1 x -143242529-113 x -1267633


How do I find the factor combinations of the number 143,242,529?

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 143,242,529, 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.

1 143,242,529
-1 -143,242,529

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 143,242,529.

Example:
1 x 143,242,529 = 143,242,529
and
-1 x -143,242,529 = 143,242,529
Notice both answers equal 143,242,529

With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 143,242,529 and divide it by 2:

143,242,529 ÷ 2 = 71,621,264.5

If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 71,621,264.5 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:

1 143,242,529
-1 -143,242,529

Now, we try dividing 143,242,529 by 3:

143,242,529 ÷ 3 = 47,747,509.6667

If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 47,747,509.6667 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:

1 143,242,529
-1 -143,242,529

Let's try dividing by 4:

143,242,529 ÷ 4 = 35,810,632.25

If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 35,810,632.25 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:

1 143,242,529
-1 143,242,529
Keep dividing by the next highest number until you cannot divide anymore.

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

11131,267,633143,242,529
-1-113-1,267,633-143,242,529

More Examples

Here are some more numbers to try:

Try the factor calculator

Explore more about the number 143,242,529:


Ask a Question