Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 489,581?

 A:
Positive:   1 x 48958141 x 11941
Negative: -1 x -489581-41 x -11941


How do I find the factor combinations of the number 489,581?

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 489,581, 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.

1 489,581
-1 -489,581

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 489,581.

Example:
1 x 489,581 = 489,581
and
-1 x -489,581 = 489,581
Notice both answers equal 489,581

With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 489,581 and divide it by 2:

489,581 ÷ 2 = 244,790.5

If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 244,790.5 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:

1 489,581
-1 -489,581

Now, we try dividing 489,581 by 3:

489,581 ÷ 3 = 163,193.6667

If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 163,193.6667 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:

1 489,581
-1 -489,581

Let's try dividing by 4:

489,581 ÷ 4 = 122,395.25

If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 122,395.25 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:

1 489,581
-1 489,581
Keep dividing by the next highest number until you cannot divide anymore.

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

14111,941489,581
-1-41-11,941-489,581

More Examples

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