Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 153,149?

 A:
Positive:   1 x 15314929 x 5281
Negative: -1 x -153149-29 x -5281


How do I find the factor combinations of the number 153,149?

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 153,149, 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.

1 153,149
-1 -153,149

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 153,149.

Example:
1 x 153,149 = 153,149
and
-1 x -153,149 = 153,149
Notice both answers equal 153,149

With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 153,149 and divide it by 2:

153,149 ÷ 2 = 76,574.5

If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 76,574.5 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:

1 153,149
-1 -153,149

Now, we try dividing 153,149 by 3:

153,149 ÷ 3 = 51,049.6667

If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 51,049.6667 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:

1 153,149
-1 -153,149

Let's try dividing by 4:

153,149 ÷ 4 = 38,287.25

If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 38,287.25 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:

1 153,149
-1 153,149
Keep dividing by the next highest number until you cannot divide anymore.

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

1295,281153,149
-1-29-5,281-153,149

More Examples

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