Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 164,543?
A:
Positive:
1 x 16454317 x 9679
Negative:
-1 x -164543-17 x -9679
A:
Positive:
1 x 16454317 x 9679
Negative:
-1 x -164543-17 x -9679
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 164,543, 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 | 164,543 | |
-1 | -164,543 |
When you multiply two negative numbers together, you get a positive number. That means both the positive and negative numbers are factors of 164,543.
Example:
1 x 164,543 = 164,543
and
-1 x -164,543 = 164,543
Notice both answers equal 164,543
With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 164,543 and divide it by 2:
164,543 ÷ 2 = 82,271.5
If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 82,271.5 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 | 164,543 | |
-1 | -164,543 |
Now, we try dividing 164,543 by 3:
164,543 ÷ 3 = 54,847.6667
If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 54,847.6667 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 | 164,543 | |
-1 | -164,543 |
Let's try dividing by 4:
164,543 ÷ 4 = 41,135.75
If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 41,135.75 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 | 164,543 | |
-1 | 164,543 |
If you did it right, you will end up with this table:
1 | 17 | 9,679 | 164,543 |
-1 | -17 | -9,679 | -164,543 |
Here are some more numbers to try:
Try the factor calculator