Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 158,442,839?
A:
Positive:
1 x 15844283917 x 9320167
Negative:
-1 x -158442839-17 x -9320167
A:
Positive:
1 x 15844283917 x 9320167
Negative:
-1 x -158442839-17 x -9320167
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 158,442,839, 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 | 158,442,839 | |
-1 | -158,442,839 |
When you multiply two negative numbers together, you get a positive number. That means both the positive and negative numbers are factors of 158,442,839.
Example:
1 x 158,442,839 = 158,442,839
and
-1 x -158,442,839 = 158,442,839
Notice both answers equal 158,442,839
With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 158,442,839 and divide it by 2:
158,442,839 ÷ 2 = 79,221,419.5
If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 79,221,419.5 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 | 158,442,839 | |
-1 | -158,442,839 |
Now, we try dividing 158,442,839 by 3:
158,442,839 ÷ 3 = 52,814,279.6667
If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 52,814,279.6667 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 | 158,442,839 | |
-1 | -158,442,839 |
Let's try dividing by 4:
158,442,839 ÷ 4 = 39,610,709.75
If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 39,610,709.75 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 | 158,442,839 | |
-1 | 158,442,839 |
If you did it right, you will end up with this table:
1 | 17 | 9,320,167 | 158,442,839 |
-1 | -17 | -9,320,167 | -158,442,839 |
Here are some more numbers to try:
Try the factor calculator