Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 187,039?
A:
Positive:
1 x 187039359 x 521
Negative:
-1 x -187039-359 x -521
A:
Positive:
1 x 187039359 x 521
Negative:
-1 x -187039-359 x -521
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 187,039, 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 | 187,039 | |
-1 | -187,039 |
When you multiply two negative numbers together, you get a positive number. That means both the positive and negative numbers are factors of 187,039.
Example:
1 x 187,039 = 187,039
and
-1 x -187,039 = 187,039
Notice both answers equal 187,039
With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 187,039 and divide it by 2:
187,039 ÷ 2 = 93,519.5
If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 93,519.5 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 | 187,039 | |
-1 | -187,039 |
Now, we try dividing 187,039 by 3:
187,039 ÷ 3 = 62,346.3333
If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 62,346.3333 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 | 187,039 | |
-1 | -187,039 |
Let's try dividing by 4:
187,039 ÷ 4 = 46,759.75
If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 46,759.75 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 | 187,039 | |
-1 | 187,039 |
If you did it right, you will end up with this table:
1 | 359 | 521 | 187,039 |
-1 | -359 | -521 | -187,039 |
Here are some more numbers to try:
Try the factor calculator