Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 184,973?
A:
Positive:
1 x 184973109 x 1697
Negative:
-1 x -184973-109 x -1697
A:
Positive:
1 x 184973109 x 1697
Negative:
-1 x -184973-109 x -1697
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 184,973, 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 | 184,973 | |
-1 | -184,973 |
When you multiply two negative numbers together, you get a positive number. That means both the positive and negative numbers are factors of 184,973.
Example:
1 x 184,973 = 184,973
and
-1 x -184,973 = 184,973
Notice both answers equal 184,973
With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 184,973 and divide it by 2:
184,973 ÷ 2 = 92,486.5
If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 92,486.5 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 | 184,973 | |
-1 | -184,973 |
Now, we try dividing 184,973 by 3:
184,973 ÷ 3 = 61,657.6667
If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 61,657.6667 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 | 184,973 | |
-1 | -184,973 |
Let's try dividing by 4:
184,973 ÷ 4 = 46,243.25
If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 46,243.25 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 | 184,973 | |
-1 | 184,973 |
If you did it right, you will end up with this table:
1 | 109 | 1,697 | 184,973 |
-1 | -109 | -1,697 | -184,973 |
Here are some more numbers to try:
Try the factor calculator