Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 503,429?
A:
Positive:
1 x 503429479 x 1051
Negative:
-1 x -503429-479 x -1051
A:
Positive:
1 x 503429479 x 1051
Negative:
-1 x -503429-479 x -1051
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 503,429, 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 | 503,429 | |
-1 | -503,429 |
When you multiply two negative numbers together, you get a positive number. That means both the positive and negative numbers are factors of 503,429.
Example:
1 x 503,429 = 503,429
and
-1 x -503,429 = 503,429
Notice both answers equal 503,429
With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 503,429 and divide it by 2:
503,429 ÷ 2 = 251,714.5
If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 251,714.5 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 | 503,429 | |
-1 | -503,429 |
Now, we try dividing 503,429 by 3:
503,429 ÷ 3 = 167,809.6667
If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 167,809.6667 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 | 503,429 | |
-1 | -503,429 |
Let's try dividing by 4:
503,429 ÷ 4 = 125,857.25
If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 125,857.25 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 | 503,429 | |
-1 | 503,429 |
If you did it right, you will end up with this table:
1 | 479 | 1,051 | 503,429 |
-1 | -479 | -1,051 | -503,429 |
Here are some more numbers to try:
Try the factor calculator