Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 161,185?
A:
Positive:
1 x 1611855 x 32237
Negative:
-1 x -161185-5 x -32237
A:
Positive:
1 x 1611855 x 32237
Negative:
-1 x -161185-5 x -32237
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 161,185, 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 | 161,185 | |
-1 | -161,185 |
When you multiply two negative numbers together, you get a positive number. That means both the positive and negative numbers are factors of 161,185.
Example:
1 x 161,185 = 161,185
and
-1 x -161,185 = 161,185
Notice both answers equal 161,185
With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 161,185 and divide it by 2:
161,185 ÷ 2 = 80,592.5
If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 80,592.5 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 | 161,185 | |
-1 | -161,185 |
Now, we try dividing 161,185 by 3:
161,185 ÷ 3 = 53,728.3333
If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 53,728.3333 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 | 161,185 | |
-1 | -161,185 |
Let's try dividing by 4:
161,185 ÷ 4 = 40,296.25
If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 40,296.25 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 | 161,185 | |
-1 | 161,185 |
If you did it right, you will end up with this table:
1 | 5 | 32,237 | 161,185 |
-1 | -5 | -32,237 | -161,185 |
Here are some more numbers to try:
Try the factor calculator