Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 160,937?

 A:
Positive:   1 x 1609377 x 2299183 x 1939277 x 581
Negative: -1 x -160937-7 x -22991-83 x -1939-277 x -581


How do I find the factor combinations of the number 160,937?

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 160,937, it is easier to work with a table - it's called factoring from the outside in.

Outside in Factoring

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.

1 160,937
-1 -160,937

Why are the negative numbers included?

When you multiply two negative numbers together, you get a positive number. That means both the positive and negative numbers are factors of 160,937.

Example:
1 x 160,937 = 160,937
and
-1 x -160,937 = 160,937
Notice both answers equal 160,937

With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 160,937 and divide it by 2:

160,937 ÷ 2 = 80,468.5

If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 80,468.5 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:

1 160,937
-1 -160,937

Now, we try dividing 160,937 by 3:

160,937 ÷ 3 = 53,645.6667

If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 53,645.6667 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:

1 160,937
-1 -160,937

Let's try dividing by 4:

160,937 ÷ 4 = 40,234.25

If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 40,234.25 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:

1 160,937
-1 160,937
Keep dividing by the next highest number until you cannot divide anymore.

If you did it right, you will end up with this table:

17832775811,93922,991160,937
-1-7-83-277-581-1,939-22,991-160,937

More Examples

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