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Last updated on May 26th, 2025

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Factors of -17

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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.

Factors of -17 for Canadian Students
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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

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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
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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).

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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.

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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.

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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).

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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

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Forgetting the number itself and 1 as factors

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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.

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Factors of -17 Examples

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Problem 1

A debt of -17 dollars is split between 17 people. How much does each person owe?

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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

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Problem 2

A group owes -17 dollars, and each person agrees to pay -1 dollar. How many people are in the group?

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17 people.

Explanation

To find the number of people, divide the total debt by the payment per person.
-17/-1 = 17

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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?

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17 days.

Explanation

To find the number of days, divide the total debt by the daily payment.

-17/-1 = 17

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FAQs on Factors of -17

1.What are the factors of -17?

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2.Is -17 a prime number?

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3.What is the absolute value of -17?

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4.What are the factor pairs of -17?

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5.Can -17 be divided by any number other than its factors?

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6.How can children in Canada use numbers in everyday life to understand Factors of -17?

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7.What are some fun ways kids in Canada can practice Factors of -17 with numbers?

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8.What role do numbers and Factors of -17 play in helping children in Canada develop problem-solving skills?

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9.How can families in Canada create number-rich environments to improve Factors of -17 skills?

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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

At BrightChamps, numbers are more than just symbols—they’re keys to many possibilities! We aim to help kids across Canada develop important math skills, with today’s focus on Factors of -17, highlighting factors in a lively, fun, and accessible way. Whether your child is calculating the speed of a ride at Canada’s Wonderland, keeping track of hockey scores, or budgeting their allowance to buy gadgets, mastering numbers boosts their everyday confidence. Our engaging lessons make learning both fun and easy. Since kids in Canada learn differently, we adapt our teaching to each child’s style. From Toronto’s bustling streets to British Columbia’s scenic views, BrightChamps brings math to life across Canada. Let’s make factors a fun part of every child’s learning experience!
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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.

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Fun Fact

: She loves to read number jokes and games.

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