Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 501,065?

 A:
Positive:   1 x 5010655 x 100213
Negative: -1 x -501065-5 x -100213


How do I find the factor combinations of the number 501,065?

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 501,065, 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.

1 501,065
-1 -501,065

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 501,065.

Example:
1 x 501,065 = 501,065
and
-1 x -501,065 = 501,065
Notice both answers equal 501,065

With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 501,065 and divide it by 2:

501,065 ÷ 2 = 250,532.5

If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 250,532.5 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:

1 501,065
-1 -501,065

Now, we try dividing 501,065 by 3:

501,065 ÷ 3 = 167,021.6667

If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 167,021.6667 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:

1 501,065
-1 -501,065

Let's try dividing by 4:

501,065 ÷ 4 = 125,266.25

If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 125,266.25 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:

1 501,065
-1 501,065
Keep dividing by the next highest number until you cannot divide anymore.

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

15100,213501,065
-1-5-100,213-501,065

More Examples

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