Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 159,691?
A:
Positive:
1 x 1596917 x 2281349 x 3259
Negative:
-1 x -159691-7 x -22813-49 x -3259
A:
Positive:
1 x 1596917 x 2281349 x 3259
Negative:
-1 x -159691-7 x -22813-49 x -3259
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 159,691, 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 | 159,691 | |
-1 | -159,691 |
When you multiply two negative numbers together, you get a positive number. That means both the positive and negative numbers are factors of 159,691.
Example:
1 x 159,691 = 159,691
and
-1 x -159,691 = 159,691
Notice both answers equal 159,691
With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 159,691 and divide it by 2:
159,691 ÷ 2 = 79,845.5
If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 79,845.5 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 | 159,691 | |
-1 | -159,691 |
Now, we try dividing 159,691 by 3:
159,691 ÷ 3 = 53,230.3333
If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 53,230.3333 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 | 159,691 | |
-1 | -159,691 |
Let's try dividing by 4:
159,691 ÷ 4 = 39,922.75
If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 39,922.75 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 | 159,691 | |
-1 | 159,691 |
If you did it right, you will end up with this table:
1 | 7 | 49 | 3,259 | 22,813 | 159,691 |
-1 | -7 | -49 | -3,259 | -22,813 | -159,691 |
Here are some more numbers to try:
Try the factor calculator