Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 172,699?
A:
Positive:
1 x 172699373 x 463
Negative:
-1 x -172699-373 x -463
A:
Positive:
1 x 172699373 x 463
Negative:
-1 x -172699-373 x -463
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 172,699, 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 | 172,699 | |
-1 | -172,699 |
When you multiply two negative numbers together, you get a positive number. That means both the positive and negative numbers are factors of 172,699.
Example:
1 x 172,699 = 172,699
and
-1 x -172,699 = 172,699
Notice both answers equal 172,699
With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 172,699 and divide it by 2:
172,699 ÷ 2 = 86,349.5
If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 86,349.5 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 | 172,699 | |
-1 | -172,699 |
Now, we try dividing 172,699 by 3:
172,699 ÷ 3 = 57,566.3333
If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 57,566.3333 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 | 172,699 | |
-1 | -172,699 |
Let's try dividing by 4:
172,699 ÷ 4 = 43,174.75
If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 43,174.75 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 | 172,699 | |
-1 | 172,699 |
If you did it right, you will end up with this table:
1 | 373 | 463 | 172,699 |
-1 | -373 | -463 | -172,699 |
Here are some more numbers to try:
Try the factor calculator