Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 162,671,143?

 A:
Positive:   1 x 1626711438971 x 18133
Negative: -1 x -162671143-8971 x -18133


How do I find the factor combinations of the number 162,671,143?

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 162,671,143, 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.

1 162,671,143
-1 -162,671,143

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 162,671,143.

Example:
1 x 162,671,143 = 162,671,143
and
-1 x -162,671,143 = 162,671,143
Notice both answers equal 162,671,143

With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 162,671,143 and divide it by 2:

162,671,143 ÷ 2 = 81,335,571.5

If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 81,335,571.5 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:

1 162,671,143
-1 -162,671,143

Now, we try dividing 162,671,143 by 3:

162,671,143 ÷ 3 = 54,223,714.3333

If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 54,223,714.3333 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:

1 162,671,143
-1 -162,671,143

Let's try dividing by 4:

162,671,143 ÷ 4 = 40,667,785.75

If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 40,667,785.75 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:

1 162,671,143
-1 162,671,143
Keep dividing by the next highest number until you cannot divide anymore.

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

18,97118,133162,671,143
-1-8,971-18,133-162,671,143

More Examples

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