Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 146,539?

 A:
Positive:   1 x 146539
Negative: -1 x -146539


How do I find the factor combinations of the number 146,539?

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 146,539, it is easier to work with a table - it's called factoring from the outside in.

Outside in Factoring

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.

1 146,539
-1 -146,539

Why are the negative numbers included?

When you multiply two negative numbers together, you get a positive number. That means both the positive and negative numbers are factors of 146,539.

Example:
1 x 146,539 = 146,539
and
-1 x -146,539 = 146,539
Notice both answers equal 146,539

With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 146,539 and divide it by 2:

146,539 ÷ 2 = 73,269.5

If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 73,269.5 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:

1 146,539
-1 -146,539

Now, we try dividing 146,539 by 3:

146,539 ÷ 3 = 48,846.3333

If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 48,846.3333 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:

1 146,539
-1 -146,539

Let's try dividing by 4:

146,539 ÷ 4 = 36,634.75

If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 36,634.75 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:

1 146,539
-1 146,539
Keep dividing by the next highest number until you cannot divide anymore.

If you did it right, you will end up with this table:

1146,539
-1-146,539

More Examples

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