Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 158,153?
A:
Positive:
1 x 15815389 x 1777
Negative:
-1 x -158153-89 x -1777
A:
Positive:
1 x 15815389 x 1777
Negative:
-1 x -158153-89 x -1777
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 158,153, 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 | 158,153 | |
-1 | -158,153 |
When you multiply two negative numbers together, you get a positive number. That means both the positive and negative numbers are factors of 158,153.
Example:
1 x 158,153 = 158,153
and
-1 x -158,153 = 158,153
Notice both answers equal 158,153
With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 158,153 and divide it by 2:
158,153 ÷ 2 = 79,076.5
If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 79,076.5 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 | 158,153 | |
-1 | -158,153 |
Now, we try dividing 158,153 by 3:
158,153 ÷ 3 = 52,717.6667
If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 52,717.6667 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 | 158,153 | |
-1 | -158,153 |
Let's try dividing by 4:
158,153 ÷ 4 = 39,538.25
If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 39,538.25 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 | 158,153 | |
-1 | 158,153 |
If you did it right, you will end up with this table:
1 | 89 | 1,777 | 158,153 |
-1 | -89 | -1,777 | -158,153 |
Here are some more numbers to try:
Try the factor calculator