Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 150,044?

 A:
Positive:   1 x 1500442 x 750224 x 37511
Negative: -1 x -150044-2 x -75022-4 x -37511


How do I find the factor combinations of the number 150,044?

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 150,044, it is easier to work with a table - it's called factoring from the outside in.

Outside in Factoring

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.

1 150,044
-1 -150,044

Why are the negative numbers included?

When you multiply two negative numbers together, you get a positive number. That means both the positive and negative numbers are factors of 150,044.

Example:
1 x 150,044 = 150,044
and
-1 x -150,044 = 150,044
Notice both answers equal 150,044

With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 150,044 and divide it by 2:

150,044 ÷ 2 = 75,022

If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 75,022 are factors. In this case, the quotient is a whole number. Write them in the table inside the other two factors like the below example. Don't forget to write the negative numbers too!

Here is what our table should look like at this step:

1 2 75,022 150,044
-1 -2 -75,022 -150,044

Now, we try dividing 150,044 by 3:

150,044 ÷ 3 = 50,014.6667

If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 50,014.6667 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 2 75,022 150,044
-1 -2 -75,022 -150,044

Let's try dividing by 4:

150,044 ÷ 4 = 37,511

If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 37,511 are factors. In this case, the quotient is a whole number. Write them in the table inside the other two factors like the below example. Don't forget to write the negative numbers too!

Here is what our table should look like at this step:

1 2 4 37,511 75,022 150,044
-1 -2 -4 -37,511 -75,022 150,044
Keep dividing by the next highest number until you cannot divide anymore.

If you did it right, you will end up with this table:

12437,51175,022150,044
-1-2-4-37,511-75,022-150,044

More Examples

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