Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 509,809?
A:
Positive:
1 x 50980947 x 10847
Negative:
-1 x -509809-47 x -10847
A:
Positive:
1 x 50980947 x 10847
Negative:
-1 x -509809-47 x -10847
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 509,809, 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 | 509,809 | |
-1 | -509,809 |
When you multiply two negative numbers together, you get a positive number. That means both the positive and negative numbers are factors of 509,809.
Example:
1 x 509,809 = 509,809
and
-1 x -509,809 = 509,809
Notice both answers equal 509,809
With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 509,809 and divide it by 2:
509,809 ÷ 2 = 254,904.5
If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 254,904.5 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 | 509,809 | |
-1 | -509,809 |
Now, we try dividing 509,809 by 3:
509,809 ÷ 3 = 169,936.3333
If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 169,936.3333 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 | 509,809 | |
-1 | -509,809 |
Let's try dividing by 4:
509,809 ÷ 4 = 127,452.25
If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 127,452.25 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 | 509,809 | |
-1 | 509,809 |
If you did it right, you will end up with this table:
1 | 47 | 10,847 | 509,809 |
-1 | -47 | -10,847 | -509,809 |
Here are some more numbers to try:
Try the factor calculator