Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 1,538,687?
A:
Positive:
1 x 153868717 x 90511
Negative:
-1 x -1538687-17 x -90511
A:
Positive:
1 x 153868717 x 90511
Negative:
-1 x -1538687-17 x -90511
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 1,538,687, it is easier to work with a table - it's called factoring from the outside in.
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 | 1,538,687 | |
-1 | -1,538,687 |
When you multiply two negative numbers together, you get a positive number. That means both the positive and negative numbers are factors of 1,538,687.
Example:
1 x 1,538,687 = 1,538,687
and
-1 x -1,538,687 = 1,538,687
Notice both answers equal 1,538,687
With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 1,538,687 and divide it by 2:
1,538,687 ÷ 2 = 769,343.5
If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 769,343.5 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 | 1,538,687 | |
-1 | -1,538,687 |
Now, we try dividing 1,538,687 by 3:
1,538,687 ÷ 3 = 512,895.6667
If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 512,895.6667 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 | 1,538,687 | |
-1 | -1,538,687 |
Let's try dividing by 4:
1,538,687 ÷ 4 = 384,671.75
If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 384,671.75 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 | 1,538,687 | |
-1 | 1,538,687 |
If you did it right, you will end up with this table:
1 | 17 | 90,511 | 1,538,687 |
-1 | -17 | -90,511 | -1,538,687 |
Here are some more numbers to try:
Try the factor calculator