Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 503,579?
A:
Positive:
1 x 503579433 x 1163
Negative:
-1 x -503579-433 x -1163
A:
Positive:
1 x 503579433 x 1163
Negative:
-1 x -503579-433 x -1163
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 503,579, 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 | 503,579 | |
-1 | -503,579 |
When you multiply two negative numbers together, you get a positive number. That means both the positive and negative numbers are factors of 503,579.
Example:
1 x 503,579 = 503,579
and
-1 x -503,579 = 503,579
Notice both answers equal 503,579
With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 503,579 and divide it by 2:
503,579 ÷ 2 = 251,789.5
If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 251,789.5 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 | 503,579 | |
-1 | -503,579 |
Now, we try dividing 503,579 by 3:
503,579 ÷ 3 = 167,859.6667
If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 167,859.6667 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 | 503,579 | |
-1 | -503,579 |
Let's try dividing by 4:
503,579 ÷ 4 = 125,894.75
If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 125,894.75 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 | 503,579 | |
-1 | 503,579 |
If you did it right, you will end up with this table:
1 | 433 | 1,163 | 503,579 |
-1 | -433 | -1,163 | -503,579 |
Here are some more numbers to try:
Try the factor calculator