Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 179,755?

 A:
Positive:   1 x 1797555 x 35951
Negative: -1 x -179755-5 x -35951


How do I find the factor combinations of the number 179,755?

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 179,755, 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.

1 179,755
-1 -179,755

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 179,755.

Example:
1 x 179,755 = 179,755
and
-1 x -179,755 = 179,755
Notice both answers equal 179,755

With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 179,755 and divide it by 2:

179,755 ÷ 2 = 89,877.5

If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 89,877.5 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:

1 179,755
-1 -179,755

Now, we try dividing 179,755 by 3:

179,755 ÷ 3 = 59,918.3333

If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 59,918.3333 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:

1 179,755
-1 -179,755

Let's try dividing by 4:

179,755 ÷ 4 = 44,938.75

If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 44,938.75 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:

1 179,755
-1 179,755
Keep dividing by the next highest number until you cannot divide anymore.

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

1535,951179,755
-1-5-35,951-179,755

More Examples

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