Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 146,123?
A:
Positive:
1 x 14612347 x 3109
Negative:
-1 x -146123-47 x -3109
A:
Positive:
1 x 14612347 x 3109
Negative:
-1 x -146123-47 x -3109
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 146,123, 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 | 146,123 | |
-1 | -146,123 |
When you multiply two negative numbers together, you get a positive number. That means both the positive and negative numbers are factors of 146,123.
Example:
1 x 146,123 = 146,123
and
-1 x -146,123 = 146,123
Notice both answers equal 146,123
With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 146,123 and divide it by 2:
146,123 ÷ 2 = 73,061.5
If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 73,061.5 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 | 146,123 | |
-1 | -146,123 |
Now, we try dividing 146,123 by 3:
146,123 ÷ 3 = 48,707.6667
If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 48,707.6667 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 | 146,123 | |
-1 | -146,123 |
Let's try dividing by 4:
146,123 ÷ 4 = 36,530.75
If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 36,530.75 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 | 146,123 | |
-1 | 146,123 |
If you did it right, you will end up with this table:
1 | 47 | 3,109 | 146,123 |
-1 | -47 | -3,109 | -146,123 |
Here are some more numbers to try:
Try the factor calculator