Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 170,425?

 A:
Positive:   1 x 1704255 x 3408517 x 1002525 x 681785 x 2005401 x 425
Negative: -1 x -170425-5 x -34085-17 x -10025-25 x -6817-85 x -2005-401 x -425


How do I find the factor combinations of the number 170,425?

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 170,425, 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.

1 170,425
-1 -170,425

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 170,425.

Example:
1 x 170,425 = 170,425
and
-1 x -170,425 = 170,425
Notice both answers equal 170,425

With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 170,425 and divide it by 2:

170,425 ÷ 2 = 85,212.5

If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 85,212.5 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:

1 170,425
-1 -170,425

Now, we try dividing 170,425 by 3:

170,425 ÷ 3 = 56,808.3333

If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 56,808.3333 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:

1 170,425
-1 -170,425

Let's try dividing by 4:

170,425 ÷ 4 = 42,606.25

If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 42,606.25 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:

1 170,425
-1 170,425
Keep dividing by the next highest number until you cannot divide anymore.

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

151725854014252,0056,81710,02534,085170,425
-1-5-17-25-85-401-425-2,005-6,817-10,025-34,085-170,425

More Examples

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