Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 174,215?
A:
Positive:
1 x 1742155 x 34843
Negative:
-1 x -174215-5 x -34843
A:
Positive:
1 x 1742155 x 34843
Negative:
-1 x -174215-5 x -34843
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 174,215, 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 | 174,215 | |
-1 | -174,215 |
When you multiply two negative numbers together, you get a positive number. That means both the positive and negative numbers are factors of 174,215.
Example:
1 x 174,215 = 174,215
and
-1 x -174,215 = 174,215
Notice both answers equal 174,215
With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 174,215 and divide it by 2:
174,215 ÷ 2 = 87,107.5
If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 87,107.5 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 | 174,215 | |
-1 | -174,215 |
Now, we try dividing 174,215 by 3:
174,215 ÷ 3 = 58,071.6667
If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 58,071.6667 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 | 174,215 | |
-1 | -174,215 |
Let's try dividing by 4:
174,215 ÷ 4 = 43,553.75
If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 43,553.75 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 | 174,215 | |
-1 | 174,215 |
If you did it right, you will end up with this table:
1 | 5 | 34,843 | 174,215 |
-1 | -5 | -34,843 | -174,215 |
Here are some more numbers to try:
Try the factor calculator