Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 501,587?
A:
Positive:
1 x 50158797 x 5171
Negative:
-1 x -501587-97 x -5171
A:
Positive:
1 x 50158797 x 5171
Negative:
-1 x -501587-97 x -5171
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 501,587, 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 | 501,587 | |
-1 | -501,587 |
When you multiply two negative numbers together, you get a positive number. That means both the positive and negative numbers are factors of 501,587.
Example:
1 x 501,587 = 501,587
and
-1 x -501,587 = 501,587
Notice both answers equal 501,587
With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 501,587 and divide it by 2:
501,587 ÷ 2 = 250,793.5
If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 250,793.5 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 | 501,587 | |
-1 | -501,587 |
Now, we try dividing 501,587 by 3:
501,587 ÷ 3 = 167,195.6667
If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 167,195.6667 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 | 501,587 | |
-1 | -501,587 |
Let's try dividing by 4:
501,587 ÷ 4 = 125,396.75
If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 125,396.75 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 | 501,587 | |
-1 | 501,587 |
If you did it right, you will end up with this table:
1 | 97 | 5,171 | 501,587 |
-1 | -97 | -5,171 | -501,587 |
Here are some more numbers to try:
Try the factor calculator