Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 153,097?

 A:
Positive:   1 x 1530977 x 21871
Negative: -1 x -153097-7 x -21871


How do I find the factor combinations of the number 153,097?

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 153,097, 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.

1 153,097
-1 -153,097

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 153,097.

Example:
1 x 153,097 = 153,097
and
-1 x -153,097 = 153,097
Notice both answers equal 153,097

With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 153,097 and divide it by 2:

153,097 ÷ 2 = 76,548.5

If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 76,548.5 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:

1 153,097
-1 -153,097

Now, we try dividing 153,097 by 3:

153,097 ÷ 3 = 51,032.3333

If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 51,032.3333 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:

1 153,097
-1 -153,097

Let's try dividing by 4:

153,097 ÷ 4 = 38,274.25

If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 38,274.25 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:

1 153,097
-1 153,097
Keep dividing by the next highest number until you cannot divide anymore.

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

1721,871153,097
-1-7-21,871-153,097

More Examples

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