Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 498,901?
A:
Positive:
1 x 49890113 x 38377
Negative:
-1 x -498901-13 x -38377
A:
Positive:
1 x 49890113 x 38377
Negative:
-1 x -498901-13 x -38377
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 498,901, 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 | 498,901 | |
-1 | -498,901 |
When you multiply two negative numbers together, you get a positive number. That means both the positive and negative numbers are factors of 498,901.
Example:
1 x 498,901 = 498,901
and
-1 x -498,901 = 498,901
Notice both answers equal 498,901
With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 498,901 and divide it by 2:
498,901 ÷ 2 = 249,450.5
If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 249,450.5 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 | 498,901 | |
-1 | -498,901 |
Now, we try dividing 498,901 by 3:
498,901 ÷ 3 = 166,300.3333
If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 166,300.3333 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 | 498,901 | |
-1 | -498,901 |
Let's try dividing by 4:
498,901 ÷ 4 = 124,725.25
If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 124,725.25 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 | 498,901 | |
-1 | 498,901 |
If you did it right, you will end up with this table:
1 | 13 | 38,377 | 498,901 |
-1 | -13 | -38,377 | -498,901 |
Here are some more numbers to try:
Try the factor calculator