Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 144,517?
A:
Positive:
1 x 14451717 x 8501
Negative:
-1 x -144517-17 x -8501
A:
Positive:
1 x 14451717 x 8501
Negative:
-1 x -144517-17 x -8501
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 144,517, 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 | 144,517 | |
-1 | -144,517 |
When you multiply two negative numbers together, you get a positive number. That means both the positive and negative numbers are factors of 144,517.
Example:
1 x 144,517 = 144,517
and
-1 x -144,517 = 144,517
Notice both answers equal 144,517
With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 144,517 and divide it by 2:
144,517 ÷ 2 = 72,258.5
If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 72,258.5 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 | 144,517 | |
-1 | -144,517 |
Now, we try dividing 144,517 by 3:
144,517 ÷ 3 = 48,172.3333
If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 48,172.3333 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 | 144,517 | |
-1 | -144,517 |
Let's try dividing by 4:
144,517 ÷ 4 = 36,129.25
If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 36,129.25 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 | 144,517 | |
-1 | 144,517 |
If you did it right, you will end up with this table:
1 | 17 | 8,501 | 144,517 |
-1 | -17 | -8,501 | -144,517 |
Here are some more numbers to try:
Try the factor calculator