Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 505,387?
A:
Positive:
1 x 50538783 x 6089
Negative:
-1 x -505387-83 x -6089
A:
Positive:
1 x 50538783 x 6089
Negative:
-1 x -505387-83 x -6089
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 505,387, 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 | 505,387 | |
-1 | -505,387 |
When you multiply two negative numbers together, you get a positive number. That means both the positive and negative numbers are factors of 505,387.
Example:
1 x 505,387 = 505,387
and
-1 x -505,387 = 505,387
Notice both answers equal 505,387
With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 505,387 and divide it by 2:
505,387 ÷ 2 = 252,693.5
If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 252,693.5 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 | 505,387 | |
-1 | -505,387 |
Now, we try dividing 505,387 by 3:
505,387 ÷ 3 = 168,462.3333
If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 168,462.3333 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 | 505,387 | |
-1 | -505,387 |
Let's try dividing by 4:
505,387 ÷ 4 = 126,346.75
If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 126,346.75 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 | 505,387 | |
-1 | 505,387 |
If you did it right, you will end up with this table:
1 | 83 | 6,089 | 505,387 |
-1 | -83 | -6,089 | -505,387 |
Here are some more numbers to try:
Try the factor calculator