Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 164,791?

 A:
Positive:   1 x 16479111 x 1498171 x 2321211 x 781
Negative: -1 x -164791-11 x -14981-71 x -2321-211 x -781


How do I find the factor combinations of the number 164,791?

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 164,791, 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.

1 164,791
-1 -164,791

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 164,791.

Example:
1 x 164,791 = 164,791
and
-1 x -164,791 = 164,791
Notice both answers equal 164,791

With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 164,791 and divide it by 2:

164,791 ÷ 2 = 82,395.5

If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 82,395.5 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:

1 164,791
-1 -164,791

Now, we try dividing 164,791 by 3:

164,791 ÷ 3 = 54,930.3333

If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 54,930.3333 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:

1 164,791
-1 -164,791

Let's try dividing by 4:

164,791 ÷ 4 = 41,197.75

If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 41,197.75 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:

1 164,791
-1 164,791
Keep dividing by the next highest number until you cannot divide anymore.

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

111712117812,32114,981164,791
-1-11-71-211-781-2,321-14,981-164,791

More Examples

Here are some more numbers to try:

Try the factor calculator

Explore more about the number 164,791:


Ask a Question