Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 508,607?
A:
Positive:
1 x 50860711 x 46237
Negative:
-1 x -508607-11 x -46237
A:
Positive:
1 x 50860711 x 46237
Negative:
-1 x -508607-11 x -46237
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 508,607, 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 | 508,607 | |
-1 | -508,607 |
When you multiply two negative numbers together, you get a positive number. That means both the positive and negative numbers are factors of 508,607.
Example:
1 x 508,607 = 508,607
and
-1 x -508,607 = 508,607
Notice both answers equal 508,607
With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 508,607 and divide it by 2:
508,607 ÷ 2 = 254,303.5
If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 254,303.5 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 | 508,607 | |
-1 | -508,607 |
Now, we try dividing 508,607 by 3:
508,607 ÷ 3 = 169,535.6667
If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 169,535.6667 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 | 508,607 | |
-1 | -508,607 |
Let's try dividing by 4:
508,607 ÷ 4 = 127,151.75
If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 127,151.75 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 | 508,607 | |
-1 | 508,607 |
If you did it right, you will end up with this table:
1 | 11 | 46,237 | 508,607 |
-1 | -11 | -46,237 | -508,607 |
Here are some more numbers to try:
Try the factor calculator