Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 168,151?

 A:
Positive:   1 x 168151
Negative: -1 x -168151


How do I find the factor combinations of the number 168,151?

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 168,151, 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.

1 168,151
-1 -168,151

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 168,151.

Example:
1 x 168,151 = 168,151
and
-1 x -168,151 = 168,151
Notice both answers equal 168,151

With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 168,151 and divide it by 2:

168,151 ÷ 2 = 84,075.5

If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 84,075.5 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:

1 168,151
-1 -168,151

Now, we try dividing 168,151 by 3:

168,151 ÷ 3 = 56,050.3333

If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 56,050.3333 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:

1 168,151
-1 -168,151

Let's try dividing by 4:

168,151 ÷ 4 = 42,037.75

If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 42,037.75 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:

1 168,151
-1 168,151
Keep dividing by the next highest number until you cannot divide anymore.

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

1168,151
-1-168,151

More Examples

Here are some more numbers to try:

Try the factor calculator

Explore more about the number 168,151:


Ask a Question