Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 176,671?

 A:
Positive:   1 x 17667111 x 16061
Negative: -1 x -176671-11 x -16061


How do I find the factor combinations of the number 176,671?

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 176,671, it is easier to work with a table - it's called factoring from the outside in.

Outside in Factoring

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.

1 176,671
-1 -176,671

Why are the negative numbers included?

When you multiply two negative numbers together, you get a positive number. That means both the positive and negative numbers are factors of 176,671.

Example:
1 x 176,671 = 176,671
and
-1 x -176,671 = 176,671
Notice both answers equal 176,671

With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 176,671 and divide it by 2:

176,671 ÷ 2 = 88,335.5

If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 88,335.5 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:

1 176,671
-1 -176,671

Now, we try dividing 176,671 by 3:

176,671 ÷ 3 = 58,890.3333

If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 58,890.3333 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:

1 176,671
-1 -176,671

Let's try dividing by 4:

176,671 ÷ 4 = 44,167.75

If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 44,167.75 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:

1 176,671
-1 176,671
Keep dividing by the next highest number until you cannot divide anymore.

If you did it right, you will end up with this table:

11116,061176,671
-1-11-16,061-176,671

More Examples

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