Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 167,257?
A:
Positive:
1 x 16725719 x 8803
Negative:
-1 x -167257-19 x -8803
A:
Positive:
1 x 16725719 x 8803
Negative:
-1 x -167257-19 x -8803
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 167,257, 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 | 167,257 | |
-1 | -167,257 |
When you multiply two negative numbers together, you get a positive number. That means both the positive and negative numbers are factors of 167,257.
Example:
1 x 167,257 = 167,257
and
-1 x -167,257 = 167,257
Notice both answers equal 167,257
With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 167,257 and divide it by 2:
167,257 ÷ 2 = 83,628.5
If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 83,628.5 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 | 167,257 | |
-1 | -167,257 |
Now, we try dividing 167,257 by 3:
167,257 ÷ 3 = 55,752.3333
If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 55,752.3333 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 | 167,257 | |
-1 | -167,257 |
Let's try dividing by 4:
167,257 ÷ 4 = 41,814.25
If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 41,814.25 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 | 167,257 | |
-1 | 167,257 |
If you did it right, you will end up with this table:
1 | 19 | 8,803 | 167,257 |
-1 | -19 | -8,803 | -167,257 |
Here are some more numbers to try:
Try the factor calculator