Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 231,161?
A:
Positive:
1 x 2311617 x 33023
Negative:
-1 x -231161-7 x -33023
A:
Positive:
1 x 2311617 x 33023
Negative:
-1 x -231161-7 x -33023
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 231,161, 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 | 231,161 | |
-1 | -231,161 |
When you multiply two negative numbers together, you get a positive number. That means both the positive and negative numbers are factors of 231,161.
Example:
1 x 231,161 = 231,161
and
-1 x -231,161 = 231,161
Notice both answers equal 231,161
With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 231,161 and divide it by 2:
231,161 ÷ 2 = 115,580.5
If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 115,580.5 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 | 231,161 | |
-1 | -231,161 |
Now, we try dividing 231,161 by 3:
231,161 ÷ 3 = 77,053.6667
If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 77,053.6667 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 | 231,161 | |
-1 | -231,161 |
Let's try dividing by 4:
231,161 ÷ 4 = 57,790.25
If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 57,790.25 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 | 231,161 | |
-1 | 231,161 |
If you did it right, you will end up with this table:
1 | 7 | 33,023 | 231,161 |
-1 | -7 | -33,023 | -231,161 |
Here are some more numbers to try:
Try the factor calculator