Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 174,385?
A:
Positive:
1 x 1743855 x 34877
Negative:
-1 x -174385-5 x -34877
A:
Positive:
1 x 1743855 x 34877
Negative:
-1 x -174385-5 x -34877
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 174,385, 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 | 174,385 | |
-1 | -174,385 |
When you multiply two negative numbers together, you get a positive number. That means both the positive and negative numbers are factors of 174,385.
Example:
1 x 174,385 = 174,385
and
-1 x -174,385 = 174,385
Notice both answers equal 174,385
With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 174,385 and divide it by 2:
174,385 ÷ 2 = 87,192.5
If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 87,192.5 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 | 174,385 | |
-1 | -174,385 |
Now, we try dividing 174,385 by 3:
174,385 ÷ 3 = 58,128.3333
If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 58,128.3333 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 | 174,385 | |
-1 | -174,385 |
Let's try dividing by 4:
174,385 ÷ 4 = 43,596.25
If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 43,596.25 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 | 174,385 | |
-1 | 174,385 |
If you did it right, you will end up with this table:
1 | 5 | 34,877 | 174,385 |
-1 | -5 | -34,877 | -174,385 |
Here are some more numbers to try:
Try the factor calculator