Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 178,573?
A:
Positive:
1 x 178573283 x 631
Negative:
-1 x -178573-283 x -631
A:
Positive:
1 x 178573283 x 631
Negative:
-1 x -178573-283 x -631
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 178,573, 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 | 178,573 | |
-1 | -178,573 |
When you multiply two negative numbers together, you get a positive number. That means both the positive and negative numbers are factors of 178,573.
Example:
1 x 178,573 = 178,573
and
-1 x -178,573 = 178,573
Notice both answers equal 178,573
With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 178,573 and divide it by 2:
178,573 ÷ 2 = 89,286.5
If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 89,286.5 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 | 178,573 | |
-1 | -178,573 |
Now, we try dividing 178,573 by 3:
178,573 ÷ 3 = 59,524.3333
If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 59,524.3333 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 | 178,573 | |
-1 | -178,573 |
Let's try dividing by 4:
178,573 ÷ 4 = 44,643.25
If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 44,643.25 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 | 178,573 | |
-1 | 178,573 |
If you did it right, you will end up with this table:
1 | 283 | 631 | 178,573 |
-1 | -283 | -631 | -178,573 |
Here are some more numbers to try:
Try the factor calculator