Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 158,827?
A:
Positive:
1 x 15882771 x 2237
Negative:
-1 x -158827-71 x -2237
A:
Positive:
1 x 15882771 x 2237
Negative:
-1 x -158827-71 x -2237
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 158,827, 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 | 158,827 | |
-1 | -158,827 |
When you multiply two negative numbers together, you get a positive number. That means both the positive and negative numbers are factors of 158,827.
Example:
1 x 158,827 = 158,827
and
-1 x -158,827 = 158,827
Notice both answers equal 158,827
With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 158,827 and divide it by 2:
158,827 ÷ 2 = 79,413.5
If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 79,413.5 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 | 158,827 | |
-1 | -158,827 |
Now, we try dividing 158,827 by 3:
158,827 ÷ 3 = 52,942.3333
If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 52,942.3333 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 | 158,827 | |
-1 | -158,827 |
Let's try dividing by 4:
158,827 ÷ 4 = 39,706.75
If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 39,706.75 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 | 158,827 | |
-1 | 158,827 |
If you did it right, you will end up with this table:
1 | 71 | 2,237 | 158,827 |
-1 | -71 | -2,237 | -158,827 |
Here are some more numbers to try:
Try the factor calculator