Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 436,591?

 A:
Positive:   1 x 436591
Negative: -1 x -436591


How do I find the factor combinations of the number 436,591?

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 436,591, 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.

1 436,591
-1 -436,591

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 436,591.

Example:
1 x 436,591 = 436,591
and
-1 x -436,591 = 436,591
Notice both answers equal 436,591

With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 436,591 and divide it by 2:

436,591 ÷ 2 = 218,295.5

If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 218,295.5 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:

1 436,591
-1 -436,591

Now, we try dividing 436,591 by 3:

436,591 ÷ 3 = 145,530.3333

If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 145,530.3333 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:

1 436,591
-1 -436,591

Let's try dividing by 4:

436,591 ÷ 4 = 109,147.75

If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 109,147.75 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:

1 436,591
-1 436,591
Keep dividing by the next highest number until you cannot divide anymore.

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

1436,591
-1-436,591

More Examples

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