Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 170,773?

 A:
Positive:   1 x 170773
Negative: -1 x -170773


How do I find the factor combinations of the number 170,773?

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 170,773, 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.

1 170,773
-1 -170,773

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 170,773.

Example:
1 x 170,773 = 170,773
and
-1 x -170,773 = 170,773
Notice both answers equal 170,773

With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 170,773 and divide it by 2:

170,773 ÷ 2 = 85,386.5

If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 85,386.5 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:

1 170,773
-1 -170,773

Now, we try dividing 170,773 by 3:

170,773 ÷ 3 = 56,924.3333

If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 56,924.3333 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:

1 170,773
-1 -170,773

Let's try dividing by 4:

170,773 ÷ 4 = 42,693.25

If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 42,693.25 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:

1 170,773
-1 170,773
Keep dividing by the next highest number until you cannot divide anymore.

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

1170,773
-1-170,773

More Examples

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