Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 170,521?
A:
Positive:
1 x 17052113 x 13117169 x 1009
Negative:
-1 x -170521-13 x -13117-169 x -1009
A:
Positive:
1 x 17052113 x 13117169 x 1009
Negative:
-1 x -170521-13 x -13117-169 x -1009
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 170,521, 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 | 170,521 | |
-1 | -170,521 |
When you multiply two negative numbers together, you get a positive number. That means both the positive and negative numbers are factors of 170,521.
Example:
1 x 170,521 = 170,521
and
-1 x -170,521 = 170,521
Notice both answers equal 170,521
With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 170,521 and divide it by 2:
170,521 ÷ 2 = 85,260.5
If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 85,260.5 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 | 170,521 | |
-1 | -170,521 |
Now, we try dividing 170,521 by 3:
170,521 ÷ 3 = 56,840.3333
If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 56,840.3333 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 | 170,521 | |
-1 | -170,521 |
Let's try dividing by 4:
170,521 ÷ 4 = 42,630.25
If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 42,630.25 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 | 170,521 | |
-1 | 170,521 |
If you did it right, you will end up with this table:
1 | 13 | 169 | 1,009 | 13,117 | 170,521 |
-1 | -13 | -169 | -1,009 | -13,117 | -170,521 |
Here are some more numbers to try:
Try the factor calculator