Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 173,291?
A:
Positive:
1 x 173291
Negative:
-1 x -173291
A:
Positive:
1 x 173291
Negative:
-1 x -173291
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 173,291, 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 | 173,291 | |
-1 | -173,291 |
When you multiply two negative numbers together, you get a positive number. That means both the positive and negative numbers are factors of 173,291.
Example:
1 x 173,291 = 173,291
and
-1 x -173,291 = 173,291
Notice both answers equal 173,291
With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 173,291 and divide it by 2:
173,291 ÷ 2 = 86,645.5
If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 86,645.5 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 | 173,291 | |
-1 | -173,291 |
Now, we try dividing 173,291 by 3:
173,291 ÷ 3 = 57,763.6667
If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 57,763.6667 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 | 173,291 | |
-1 | -173,291 |
Let's try dividing by 4:
173,291 ÷ 4 = 43,322.75
If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 43,322.75 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 | 173,291 | |
-1 | 173,291 |
If you did it right, you will end up with this table:
1 | 173,291 |
-1 | -173,291 |
Here are some more numbers to try:
Try the factor calculator