Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 151,271?

 A:
Positive:   1 x 15127123 x 6577
Negative: -1 x -151271-23 x -6577


How do I find the factor combinations of the number 151,271?

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 151,271, 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.

1 151,271
-1 -151,271

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 151,271.

Example:
1 x 151,271 = 151,271
and
-1 x -151,271 = 151,271
Notice both answers equal 151,271

With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 151,271 and divide it by 2:

151,271 ÷ 2 = 75,635.5

If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 75,635.5 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:

1 151,271
-1 -151,271

Now, we try dividing 151,271 by 3:

151,271 ÷ 3 = 50,423.6667

If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 50,423.6667 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:

1 151,271
-1 -151,271

Let's try dividing by 4:

151,271 ÷ 4 = 37,817.75

If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 37,817.75 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:

1 151,271
-1 151,271
Keep dividing by the next highest number until you cannot divide anymore.

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

1236,577151,271
-1-23-6,577-151,271

More Examples

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