Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 1,988,515?

 A:
Positive:   1 x 19885155 x 397703499 x 3985797 x 2495
Negative: -1 x -1988515-5 x -397703-499 x -3985-797 x -2495


How do I find the factor combinations of the number 1,988,515?

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 1,988,515, 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 1,988,515
-1 -1,988,515

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 1,988,515.

Example:
1 x 1,988,515 = 1,988,515
and
-1 x -1,988,515 = 1,988,515
Notice both answers equal 1,988,515

With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 1,988,515 and divide it by 2:

1,988,515 ÷ 2 = 994,257.5

If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 994,257.5 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 1,988,515
-1 -1,988,515

Now, we try dividing 1,988,515 by 3:

1,988,515 ÷ 3 = 662,838.3333

If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 662,838.3333 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 1,988,515
-1 -1,988,515

Let's try dividing by 4:

1,988,515 ÷ 4 = 497,128.75

If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 497,128.75 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 1,988,515
-1 1,988,515
Keep dividing by the next highest number until you cannot divide anymore.

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

154997972,4953,985397,7031,988,515
-1-5-499-797-2,495-3,985-397,703-1,988,515

More Examples

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