Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 152,522?

 A:
Positive:   1 x 1525222 x 76261
Negative: -1 x -152522-2 x -76261


How do I find the factor combinations of the number 152,522?

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 152,522, 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.

1 152,522
-1 -152,522

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 152,522.

Example:
1 x 152,522 = 152,522
and
-1 x -152,522 = 152,522
Notice both answers equal 152,522

With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 152,522 and divide it by 2:

152,522 ÷ 2 = 76,261

If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 76,261 are factors. In this case, the quotient is a whole number. Write them in the table inside the other two factors like the below example. Don't forget to write the negative numbers too!

Here is what our table should look like at this step:

1 2 76,261 152,522
-1 -2 -76,261 -152,522

Now, we try dividing 152,522 by 3:

152,522 ÷ 3 = 50,840.6667

If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 50,840.6667 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 2 76,261 152,522
-1 -2 -76,261 -152,522

Let's try dividing by 4:

152,522 ÷ 4 = 38,130.5

If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 38,130.5 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 2 76,261 152,522
-1 -2 -76,261 152,522
Keep dividing by the next highest number until you cannot divide anymore.

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

1276,261152,522
-1-2-76,261-152,522

More Examples

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