Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 298,561?
A:
Positive:
1 x 29856131 x 9631
Negative:
-1 x -298561-31 x -9631
A:
Positive:
1 x 29856131 x 9631
Negative:
-1 x -298561-31 x -9631
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 298,561, 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 | 298,561 | |
-1 | -298,561 |
When you multiply two negative numbers together, you get a positive number. That means both the positive and negative numbers are factors of 298,561.
Example:
1 x 298,561 = 298,561
and
-1 x -298,561 = 298,561
Notice both answers equal 298,561
With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 298,561 and divide it by 2:
298,561 ÷ 2 = 149,280.5
If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 149,280.5 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 | 298,561 | |
-1 | -298,561 |
Now, we try dividing 298,561 by 3:
298,561 ÷ 3 = 99,520.3333
If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 99,520.3333 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 | 298,561 | |
-1 | -298,561 |
Let's try dividing by 4:
298,561 ÷ 4 = 74,640.25
If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 74,640.25 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 | 298,561 | |
-1 | 298,561 |
If you did it right, you will end up with this table:
1 | 31 | 9,631 | 298,561 |
-1 | -31 | -9,631 | -298,561 |
Here are some more numbers to try:
Try the factor calculator