Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 189,899?
A:
Positive:
1 x 18989953 x 3583
Negative:
-1 x -189899-53 x -3583
A:
Positive:
1 x 18989953 x 3583
Negative:
-1 x -189899-53 x -3583
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 189,899, 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 | 189,899 | |
-1 | -189,899 |
When you multiply two negative numbers together, you get a positive number. That means both the positive and negative numbers are factors of 189,899.
Example:
1 x 189,899 = 189,899
and
-1 x -189,899 = 189,899
Notice both answers equal 189,899
With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 189,899 and divide it by 2:
189,899 ÷ 2 = 94,949.5
If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 94,949.5 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 | 189,899 | |
-1 | -189,899 |
Now, we try dividing 189,899 by 3:
189,899 ÷ 3 = 63,299.6667
If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 63,299.6667 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 | 189,899 | |
-1 | -189,899 |
Let's try dividing by 4:
189,899 ÷ 4 = 47,474.75
If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 47,474.75 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 | 189,899 | |
-1 | 189,899 |
If you did it right, you will end up with this table:
1 | 53 | 3,583 | 189,899 |
-1 | -53 | -3,583 | -189,899 |
Here are some more numbers to try:
Try the factor calculator