Factors of -17
2026-02-28 13:38 Diff
https://brightchamps.com/en-us/math/numbers/factors-of-minus-17

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Last updated on December 12, 2025

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

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.

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.

Problem 1

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

Okay, lets begin

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

Well explained 👍

Problem 2

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

Okay, lets begin

17 people.

Explanation

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

Well explained 👍

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?

Okay, lets begin

17 days.

Explanation

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

-17/-1 = 17

Well explained 👍

FAQs on Factors of -17

1.What are the factors of -17?

The factors of -17 are 1, -1, 17, and -17.

2.Is -17 a prime number?

Yes, -17 is a negative prime number.

3.What is the absolute value of -17?

4.What are the factor pairs of -17?

The factor pairs of -17 are (1, -17) and (-1, 17).

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

No, -17 can only be divided evenly by its factors 1, -1, 17, and -17.

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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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.