Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 498,197?
A:
Positive:
1 x 4981977 x 71171
Negative:
-1 x -498197-7 x -71171
A:
Positive:
1 x 4981977 x 71171
Negative:
-1 x -498197-7 x -71171
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 498,197, 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 | 498,197 | |
-1 | -498,197 |
When you multiply two negative numbers together, you get a positive number. That means both the positive and negative numbers are factors of 498,197.
Example:
1 x 498,197 = 498,197
and
-1 x -498,197 = 498,197
Notice both answers equal 498,197
With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 498,197 and divide it by 2:
498,197 ÷ 2 = 249,098.5
If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 249,098.5 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 | 498,197 | |
-1 | -498,197 |
Now, we try dividing 498,197 by 3:
498,197 ÷ 3 = 166,065.6667
If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 166,065.6667 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 | 498,197 | |
-1 | -498,197 |
Let's try dividing by 4:
498,197 ÷ 4 = 124,549.25
If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 124,549.25 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 | 498,197 | |
-1 | 498,197 |
If you did it right, you will end up with this table:
1 | 7 | 71,171 | 498,197 |
-1 | -7 | -71,171 | -498,197 |
Here are some more numbers to try:
Try the factor calculator