Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 164,203?

 A:
Positive:   1 x 16420313 x 1263117 x 9659221 x 743
Negative: -1 x -164203-13 x -12631-17 x -9659-221 x -743


How do I find the factor combinations of the number 164,203?

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 164,203, 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.

1 164,203
-1 -164,203

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 164,203.

Example:
1 x 164,203 = 164,203
and
-1 x -164,203 = 164,203
Notice both answers equal 164,203

With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 164,203 and divide it by 2:

164,203 ÷ 2 = 82,101.5

If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 82,101.5 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:

1 164,203
-1 -164,203

Now, we try dividing 164,203 by 3:

164,203 ÷ 3 = 54,734.3333

If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 54,734.3333 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:

1 164,203
-1 -164,203

Let's try dividing by 4:

164,203 ÷ 4 = 41,050.75

If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 41,050.75 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:

1 164,203
-1 164,203
Keep dividing by the next highest number until you cannot divide anymore.

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

113172217439,65912,631164,203
-1-13-17-221-743-9,659-12,631-164,203

More Examples

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