Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 170,629?

 A:
Positive:   1 x 17062917 x 10037
Negative: -1 x -170629-17 x -10037


How do I find the factor combinations of the number 170,629?

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 170,629, 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.

1 170,629
-1 -170,629

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 170,629.

Example:
1 x 170,629 = 170,629
and
-1 x -170,629 = 170,629
Notice both answers equal 170,629

With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 170,629 and divide it by 2:

170,629 ÷ 2 = 85,314.5

If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 85,314.5 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:

1 170,629
-1 -170,629

Now, we try dividing 170,629 by 3:

170,629 ÷ 3 = 56,876.3333

If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 56,876.3333 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:

1 170,629
-1 -170,629

Let's try dividing by 4:

170,629 ÷ 4 = 42,657.25

If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 42,657.25 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:

1 170,629
-1 170,629
Keep dividing by the next highest number until you cannot divide anymore.

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

11710,037170,629
-1-17-10,037-170,629

More Examples

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