Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 165,401?
A:
Positive:
1 x 165401193 x 857
Negative:
-1 x -165401-193 x -857
A:
Positive:
1 x 165401193 x 857
Negative:
-1 x -165401-193 x -857
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 165,401, 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 | 165,401 | |
-1 | -165,401 |
When you multiply two negative numbers together, you get a positive number. That means both the positive and negative numbers are factors of 165,401.
Example:
1 x 165,401 = 165,401
and
-1 x -165,401 = 165,401
Notice both answers equal 165,401
With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 165,401 and divide it by 2:
165,401 ÷ 2 = 82,700.5
If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 82,700.5 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 | 165,401 | |
-1 | -165,401 |
Now, we try dividing 165,401 by 3:
165,401 ÷ 3 = 55,133.6667
If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 55,133.6667 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 | 165,401 | |
-1 | -165,401 |
Let's try dividing by 4:
165,401 ÷ 4 = 41,350.25
If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 41,350.25 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 | 165,401 | |
-1 | 165,401 |
If you did it right, you will end up with this table:
1 | 193 | 857 | 165,401 |
-1 | -193 | -857 | -165,401 |
Here are some more numbers to try:
Try the factor calculator