Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 185,983?
A:
Positive:
1 x 1859837 x 26569163 x 1141
Negative:
-1 x -185983-7 x -26569-163 x -1141
A:
Positive:
1 x 1859837 x 26569163 x 1141
Negative:
-1 x -185983-7 x -26569-163 x -1141
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 185,983, 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 | 185,983 | |
-1 | -185,983 |
When you multiply two negative numbers together, you get a positive number. That means both the positive and negative numbers are factors of 185,983.
Example:
1 x 185,983 = 185,983
and
-1 x -185,983 = 185,983
Notice both answers equal 185,983
With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 185,983 and divide it by 2:
185,983 ÷ 2 = 92,991.5
If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 92,991.5 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 | 185,983 | |
-1 | -185,983 |
Now, we try dividing 185,983 by 3:
185,983 ÷ 3 = 61,994.3333
If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 61,994.3333 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 | 185,983 | |
-1 | -185,983 |
Let's try dividing by 4:
185,983 ÷ 4 = 46,495.75
If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 46,495.75 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 | 185,983 | |
-1 | 185,983 |
If you did it right, you will end up with this table:
1 | 7 | 163 | 1,141 | 26,569 | 185,983 |
-1 | -7 | -163 | -1,141 | -26,569 | -185,983 |
Here are some more numbers to try:
Try the factor calculator