Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 542,155?

 A:
Positive:   1 x 5421555 x 10843129 x 18695145 x 3739
Negative: -1 x -542155-5 x -108431-29 x -18695-145 x -3739


How do I find the factor combinations of the number 542,155?

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 542,155, 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.

1 542,155
-1 -542,155

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 542,155.

Example:
1 x 542,155 = 542,155
and
-1 x -542,155 = 542,155
Notice both answers equal 542,155

With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 542,155 and divide it by 2:

542,155 ÷ 2 = 271,077.5

If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 271,077.5 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:

1 542,155
-1 -542,155

Now, we try dividing 542,155 by 3:

542,155 ÷ 3 = 180,718.3333

If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 180,718.3333 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:

1 542,155
-1 -542,155

Let's try dividing by 4:

542,155 ÷ 4 = 135,538.75

If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 135,538.75 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:

1 542,155
-1 542,155
Keep dividing by the next highest number until you cannot divide anymore.

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

15291453,73918,695108,431542,155
-1-5-29-145-3,739-18,695-108,431-542,155

More Examples

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