Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 509,045?

 A:
Positive:   1 x 5090455 x 10180961 x 8345305 x 1669
Negative: -1 x -509045-5 x -101809-61 x -8345-305 x -1669


How do I find the factor combinations of the number 509,045?

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 509,045, it is easier to work with a table - it's called factoring from the outside in.

Outside in Factoring

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.

1 509,045
-1 -509,045

Why are the negative numbers included?

When you multiply two negative numbers together, you get a positive number. That means both the positive and negative numbers are factors of 509,045.

Example:
1 x 509,045 = 509,045
and
-1 x -509,045 = 509,045
Notice both answers equal 509,045

With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 509,045 and divide it by 2:

509,045 ÷ 2 = 254,522.5

If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 254,522.5 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:

1 509,045
-1 -509,045

Now, we try dividing 509,045 by 3:

509,045 ÷ 3 = 169,681.6667

If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 169,681.6667 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:

1 509,045
-1 -509,045

Let's try dividing by 4:

509,045 ÷ 4 = 127,261.25

If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 127,261.25 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:

1 509,045
-1 509,045
Keep dividing by the next highest number until you cannot divide anymore.

If you did it right, you will end up with this table:

15613051,6698,345101,809509,045
-1-5-61-305-1,669-8,345-101,809-509,045

More Examples

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