Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 316,597?
A:
Positive:
1 x 31659719 x 16663361 x 877
Negative:
-1 x -316597-19 x -16663-361 x -877
A:
Positive:
1 x 31659719 x 16663361 x 877
Negative:
-1 x -316597-19 x -16663-361 x -877
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 316,597, 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 | 316,597 | |
-1 | -316,597 |
When you multiply two negative numbers together, you get a positive number. That means both the positive and negative numbers are factors of 316,597.
Example:
1 x 316,597 = 316,597
and
-1 x -316,597 = 316,597
Notice both answers equal 316,597
With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 316,597 and divide it by 2:
316,597 ÷ 2 = 158,298.5
If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 158,298.5 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 | 316,597 | |
-1 | -316,597 |
Now, we try dividing 316,597 by 3:
316,597 ÷ 3 = 105,532.3333
If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 105,532.3333 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 | 316,597 | |
-1 | -316,597 |
Let's try dividing by 4:
316,597 ÷ 4 = 79,149.25
If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 79,149.25 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 | 316,597 | |
-1 | 316,597 |
If you did it right, you will end up with this table:
1 | 19 | 361 | 877 | 16,663 | 316,597 |
-1 | -19 | -361 | -877 | -16,663 | -316,597 |
Here are some more numbers to try:
Try the factor calculator