Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 3,500,663?

 A:
Positive:   1 x 35006631811 x 1933
Negative: -1 x -3500663-1811 x -1933


How do I find the factor combinations of the number 3,500,663?

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 3,500,663, 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 3,500,663
-1 -3,500,663

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 3,500,663.

Example:
1 x 3,500,663 = 3,500,663
and
-1 x -3,500,663 = 3,500,663
Notice both answers equal 3,500,663

With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 3,500,663 and divide it by 2:

3,500,663 ÷ 2 = 1,750,331.5

If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 1,750,331.5 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 3,500,663
-1 -3,500,663

Now, we try dividing 3,500,663 by 3:

3,500,663 ÷ 3 = 1,166,887.6667

If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 1,166,887.6667 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 3,500,663
-1 -3,500,663

Let's try dividing by 4:

3,500,663 ÷ 4 = 875,165.75

If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 875,165.75 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 3,500,663
-1 3,500,663
Keep dividing by the next highest number until you cannot divide anymore.

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

11,8111,9333,500,663
-1-1,811-1,933-3,500,663

More Examples

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