Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 157,969?
A:
Positive:
1 x 1579697 x 22567
Negative:
-1 x -157969-7 x -22567
A:
Positive:
1 x 1579697 x 22567
Negative:
-1 x -157969-7 x -22567
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 157,969, 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 | 157,969 | |
-1 | -157,969 |
When you multiply two negative numbers together, you get a positive number. That means both the positive and negative numbers are factors of 157,969.
Example:
1 x 157,969 = 157,969
and
-1 x -157,969 = 157,969
Notice both answers equal 157,969
With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 157,969 and divide it by 2:
157,969 ÷ 2 = 78,984.5
If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 78,984.5 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 | 157,969 | |
-1 | -157,969 |
Now, we try dividing 157,969 by 3:
157,969 ÷ 3 = 52,656.3333
If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 52,656.3333 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 | 157,969 | |
-1 | -157,969 |
Let's try dividing by 4:
157,969 ÷ 4 = 39,492.25
If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 39,492.25 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 | 157,969 | |
-1 | 157,969 |
If you did it right, you will end up with this table:
1 | 7 | 22,567 | 157,969 |
-1 | -7 | -22,567 | -157,969 |
Here are some more numbers to try:
Try the factor calculator