Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 144,371?
A:
Positive:
1 x 14437123 x 6277
Negative:
-1 x -144371-23 x -6277
A:
Positive:
1 x 14437123 x 6277
Negative:
-1 x -144371-23 x -6277
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 144,371, 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 | 144,371 | |
-1 | -144,371 |
When you multiply two negative numbers together, you get a positive number. That means both the positive and negative numbers are factors of 144,371.
Example:
1 x 144,371 = 144,371
and
-1 x -144,371 = 144,371
Notice both answers equal 144,371
With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 144,371 and divide it by 2:
144,371 ÷ 2 = 72,185.5
If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 72,185.5 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 | 144,371 | |
-1 | -144,371 |
Now, we try dividing 144,371 by 3:
144,371 ÷ 3 = 48,123.6667
If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 48,123.6667 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 | 144,371 | |
-1 | -144,371 |
Let's try dividing by 4:
144,371 ÷ 4 = 36,092.75
If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 36,092.75 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 | 144,371 | |
-1 | 144,371 |
If you did it right, you will end up with this table:
1 | 23 | 6,277 | 144,371 |
-1 | -23 | -6,277 | -144,371 |
Here are some more numbers to try:
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