Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 183,427?

 A:
Positive:   1 x 18342731 x 591761 x 300797 x 1891
Negative: -1 x -183427-31 x -5917-61 x -3007-97 x -1891


How do I find the factor combinations of the number 183,427?

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 183,427, 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.

1 183,427
-1 -183,427

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 183,427.

Example:
1 x 183,427 = 183,427
and
-1 x -183,427 = 183,427
Notice both answers equal 183,427

With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 183,427 and divide it by 2:

183,427 ÷ 2 = 91,713.5

If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 91,713.5 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:

1 183,427
-1 -183,427

Now, we try dividing 183,427 by 3:

183,427 ÷ 3 = 61,142.3333

If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 61,142.3333 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:

1 183,427
-1 -183,427

Let's try dividing by 4:

183,427 ÷ 4 = 45,856.75

If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 45,856.75 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:

1 183,427
-1 183,427
Keep dividing by the next highest number until you cannot divide anymore.

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

13161971,8913,0075,917183,427
-1-31-61-97-1,891-3,007-5,917-183,427

More Examples

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