Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 496,523?
A:
Positive:
1 x 496523233 x 2131
Negative:
-1 x -496523-233 x -2131
A:
Positive:
1 x 496523233 x 2131
Negative:
-1 x -496523-233 x -2131
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 496,523, 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 | 496,523 | |
-1 | -496,523 |
When you multiply two negative numbers together, you get a positive number. That means both the positive and negative numbers are factors of 496,523.
Example:
1 x 496,523 = 496,523
and
-1 x -496,523 = 496,523
Notice both answers equal 496,523
With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 496,523 and divide it by 2:
496,523 ÷ 2 = 248,261.5
If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 248,261.5 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 | 496,523 | |
-1 | -496,523 |
Now, we try dividing 496,523 by 3:
496,523 ÷ 3 = 165,507.6667
If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 165,507.6667 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 | 496,523 | |
-1 | -496,523 |
Let's try dividing by 4:
496,523 ÷ 4 = 124,130.75
If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 124,130.75 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 | 496,523 | |
-1 | 496,523 |
If you did it right, you will end up with this table:
1 | 233 | 2,131 | 496,523 |
-1 | -233 | -2,131 | -496,523 |
Here are some more numbers to try:
Try the factor calculator