Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 176,881?

 A:
Positive:   1 x 17688179 x 2239
Negative: -1 x -176881-79 x -2239


How do I find the factor combinations of the number 176,881?

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 176,881, 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.

1 176,881
-1 -176,881

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 176,881.

Example:
1 x 176,881 = 176,881
and
-1 x -176,881 = 176,881
Notice both answers equal 176,881

With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 176,881 and divide it by 2:

176,881 ÷ 2 = 88,440.5

If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 88,440.5 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:

1 176,881
-1 -176,881

Now, we try dividing 176,881 by 3:

176,881 ÷ 3 = 58,960.3333

If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 58,960.3333 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:

1 176,881
-1 -176,881

Let's try dividing by 4:

176,881 ÷ 4 = 44,220.25

If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 44,220.25 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:

1 176,881
-1 176,881
Keep dividing by the next highest number until you cannot divide anymore.

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

1792,239176,881
-1-79-2,239-176,881

More Examples

Here are some more numbers to try:

Try the factor calculator

Explore more about the number 176,881:


Ask a Question