Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 172,261?
A:
Positive:
1 x 17226117 x 10133
Negative:
-1 x -172261-17 x -10133
A:
Positive:
1 x 17226117 x 10133
Negative:
-1 x -172261-17 x -10133
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 172,261, 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 | 172,261 | |
-1 | -172,261 |
When you multiply two negative numbers together, you get a positive number. That means both the positive and negative numbers are factors of 172,261.
Example:
1 x 172,261 = 172,261
and
-1 x -172,261 = 172,261
Notice both answers equal 172,261
With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 172,261 and divide it by 2:
172,261 ÷ 2 = 86,130.5
If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 86,130.5 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 | 172,261 | |
-1 | -172,261 |
Now, we try dividing 172,261 by 3:
172,261 ÷ 3 = 57,420.3333
If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 57,420.3333 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 | 172,261 | |
-1 | -172,261 |
Let's try dividing by 4:
172,261 ÷ 4 = 43,065.25
If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 43,065.25 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 | 172,261 | |
-1 | 172,261 |
If you did it right, you will end up with this table:
1 | 17 | 10,133 | 172,261 |
-1 | -17 | -10,133 | -172,261 |
Here are some more numbers to try:
Try the factor calculator