Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 162,115?
A:
Positive:
1 x 1621155 x 32423
Negative:
-1 x -162115-5 x -32423
A:
Positive:
1 x 1621155 x 32423
Negative:
-1 x -162115-5 x -32423
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 162,115, 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 | 162,115 | |
-1 | -162,115 |
When you multiply two negative numbers together, you get a positive number. That means both the positive and negative numbers are factors of 162,115.
Example:
1 x 162,115 = 162,115
and
-1 x -162,115 = 162,115
Notice both answers equal 162,115
With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 162,115 and divide it by 2:
162,115 ÷ 2 = 81,057.5
If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 81,057.5 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 | 162,115 | |
-1 | -162,115 |
Now, we try dividing 162,115 by 3:
162,115 ÷ 3 = 54,038.3333
If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 54,038.3333 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 | 162,115 | |
-1 | -162,115 |
Let's try dividing by 4:
162,115 ÷ 4 = 40,528.75
If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 40,528.75 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 | 162,115 | |
-1 | 162,115 |
If you did it right, you will end up with this table:
1 | 5 | 32,423 | 162,115 |
-1 | -5 | -32,423 | -162,115 |
Here are some more numbers to try:
Try the factor calculator