Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 163,247?
A:
Positive:
1 x 1632477 x 23321
Negative:
-1 x -163247-7 x -23321
A:
Positive:
1 x 1632477 x 23321
Negative:
-1 x -163247-7 x -23321
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 163,247, 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 | 163,247 | |
-1 | -163,247 |
When you multiply two negative numbers together, you get a positive number. That means both the positive and negative numbers are factors of 163,247.
Example:
1 x 163,247 = 163,247
and
-1 x -163,247 = 163,247
Notice both answers equal 163,247
With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 163,247 and divide it by 2:
163,247 ÷ 2 = 81,623.5
If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 81,623.5 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 | 163,247 | |
-1 | -163,247 |
Now, we try dividing 163,247 by 3:
163,247 ÷ 3 = 54,415.6667
If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 54,415.6667 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 | 163,247 | |
-1 | -163,247 |
Let's try dividing by 4:
163,247 ÷ 4 = 40,811.75
If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 40,811.75 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 | 163,247 | |
-1 | 163,247 |
If you did it right, you will end up with this table:
1 | 7 | 23,321 | 163,247 |
-1 | -7 | -23,321 | -163,247 |
Here are some more numbers to try:
Try the factor calculator