Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 145,427?
A:
Positive:
1 x 14542741 x 3547
Negative:
-1 x -145427-41 x -3547
A:
Positive:
1 x 14542741 x 3547
Negative:
-1 x -145427-41 x -3547
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 145,427, 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 | 145,427 | |
-1 | -145,427 |
When you multiply two negative numbers together, you get a positive number. That means both the positive and negative numbers are factors of 145,427.
Example:
1 x 145,427 = 145,427
and
-1 x -145,427 = 145,427
Notice both answers equal 145,427
With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 145,427 and divide it by 2:
145,427 ÷ 2 = 72,713.5
If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 72,713.5 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 | 145,427 | |
-1 | -145,427 |
Now, we try dividing 145,427 by 3:
145,427 ÷ 3 = 48,475.6667
If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 48,475.6667 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 | 145,427 | |
-1 | -145,427 |
Let's try dividing by 4:
145,427 ÷ 4 = 36,356.75
If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 36,356.75 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 | 145,427 | |
-1 | 145,427 |
If you did it right, you will end up with this table:
1 | 41 | 3,547 | 145,427 |
-1 | -41 | -3,547 | -145,427 |
Here are some more numbers to try:
Try the factor calculator