118 LearnersLast updated on May 26th, 2025
Factors of -17
Factors are the numbers that divide any given number evenly without a remainder. In daily life, we use factors for tasks like sharing items equally, arranging things, etc. In this topic, we will learn about the factors of -17, how they are used in real life, and tips to learn them quickly.
What are the Factors of -17?
The numbers that divide -17 evenly are known as factors of -17.
A factor of -17 is a number that divides the number without a remainder.
The factors of -17 are 1, -1, 17, and -17.
Since -17 is a negative prime number, its only factors are ±1 and ±17.
The sum of factors of -17: 1 + (-1) + 17 + (-17) = 0
How to Find Factors of -17?
Factors can be found using different methods. Mentioned below are some commonly used methods:
- Finding factors using multiplication
- Finding factors using the division method
Finding Factors Using Multiplication
To find factors using multiplication, we need to identify the pairs of numbers that multiply to give -17. Being a negative prime number, -17 has limited factor pairs.
Step 1: -17 × 1 = -17
Step 2: 1 × -17 = -17
Therefore, the factor pairs of -17 are: (1, -17) and (-1, 17).
Finding Factors Using Division Method
Dividing the given number by whole numbers until the remainder becomes zero helps in listing out the factors. Factors can be calculated by following a simple division method:
Step 1: Divide -17 by 1, -17 ÷ 1 = -17
Step 2: Divide -17 by -1, -17 ÷ -1 = 17
Therefore, the factors of -17 are: 1, -1, 17, -17.
Prime Factors and Prime Factorization
Since -17 is a prime number, it cannot be broken down into smaller prime factors.
Thus, its prime factorization is simply expressed as -17.
Factor Tree
For a negative prime number like -17, a factor tree is not applicable, as it does not break down into smaller prime numbers beyond its inherent factors.
Factor Pairs: Two numbers that are multiplied to give a specific number are called factor pairs. Both positive and negative factors constitute factor pairs.
Positive factor pairs of -17: (1, -17).
Negative factor pairs of -17: (-1, 17).
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them in Factors of -17
Mistakes are common while finding factors. We can identify and correct those mistakes using the following tips.
Mistake 1
Forgetting the number itself and 1 as factors
People might forget to add the given number itself and 1 as factors. The number itself and 1 are factors for every number. Always remember to include 1 and the number itself.
For example, for factors of -17, 1 and -17 are factors.
Mistake 2
Missing Negative Factors
We often mention only positive factors. There are also negative factors, so always check whether you have mentioned negative factors.
For example, the factors of -17 include -1 and -17.
Mistake 3
Confusing Factors with Multiples
People might confuse factors with multiples. Factors divide the number without a remainder, while multiples are products of the number and integers.
Mistake 4
Including Non-Whole Numbers
Only whole numbers can be factors.
For example, considering fractions or decimals as factors is incorrect.
Mistake 5
Confusing Prime Numbers with Factor Pairs
Remember that prime numbers themselves are considered in factorization, but factor pairs involve two numbers.
For example, -17, being prime, has limited factor pairs.
Factors of -17 Examples
Problem 1
A debt of -17 dollars is split between 17 people. How much does each person owe?
Each person owes 1 dollar.
Explanation
To find the amount each person owes, divide the total debt by the number of people.
-17/17 = -1
Problem 2
A group owes -17 dollars, and each person agrees to pay -1 dollar. How many people are in the group?
17 people.
Explanation
To find the number of people, divide the total debt by the payment per person.
-17/-1 = 17
Problem 3
If a person pays -1 dollar every day to clear a debt of -17 dollars, how many days will it take to clear the debt?
17 days.
Explanation
To find the number of days, divide the total debt by the daily payment.
-17/-1 = 17
FAQs on Factors of -17
1.What are the factors of -17?
2.Is -17 a prime number?
3.What is the absolute value of -17?
4.What are the factor pairs of -17?
5.Can -17 be divided by any number other than its factors?
6.How can children in Canada use numbers in everyday life to understand Factors of -17?
7.What are some fun ways kids in Canada can practice Factors of -17 with numbers?
8.What role do numbers and Factors of -17 play in helping children in Canada develop problem-solving skills?
9.How can families in Canada create number-rich environments to improve Factors of -17 skills?
Important Glossaries for Factors of -17
- Factors: Numbers that divide a given number without leaving a remainder. For example, the factors of -17 are 1, -1, 17, and -17.
- Prime Number: A natural number greater than 1 that has no divisors other than 1 and itself. In this context, -17 is considered a prime because it has no divisors other than ±1 and ±17.
- Factor Pairs: Two numbers that multiply to give the original number. For example, the factor pairs of -17 are (1, -17) and (-1, 17).
- Absolute Value: The non-negative value of a number without regard to its sign. For example, the absolute value of -17 is 17.
- Multiples: Products of a number with integers. Remember, multiples differ from factors in that multiples expand from the base number, while factors divide into it.
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About BrightChamps in Canada
Hiralee Lalitkumar Makwana
About the Author
Hiralee Lalitkumar Makwana has almost two years of teaching experience. She is a number ninja as she loves numbers. Her interest in numbers can be seen in the way she cracks math puzzles and hidden patterns.
Fun Fact
: She loves to read number jokes and games.
