Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 143,555?
A:
Positive:
1 x 1435555 x 28711
Negative:
-1 x -143555-5 x -28711
A:
Positive:
1 x 1435555 x 28711
Negative:
-1 x -143555-5 x -28711
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 143,555, it is easier to work with a table - it's called factoring from the outside in.
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 | 143,555 | |
-1 | -143,555 |
When you multiply two negative numbers together, you get a positive number. That means both the positive and negative numbers are factors of 143,555.
Example:
1 x 143,555 = 143,555
and
-1 x -143,555 = 143,555
Notice both answers equal 143,555
With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 143,555 and divide it by 2:
143,555 ÷ 2 = 71,777.5
If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 71,777.5 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 | 143,555 | |
-1 | -143,555 |
Now, we try dividing 143,555 by 3:
143,555 ÷ 3 = 47,851.6667
If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 47,851.6667 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 | 143,555 | |
-1 | -143,555 |
Let's try dividing by 4:
143,555 ÷ 4 = 35,888.75
If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 35,888.75 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 | 143,555 | |
-1 | 143,555 |
If you did it right, you will end up with this table:
1 | 5 | 28,711 | 143,555 |
-1 | -5 | -28,711 | -143,555 |
Here are some more numbers to try:
Try the factor calculator