Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 512,542?

 A:
Positive:   1 x 5125422 x 256271251 x 2042502 x 1021
Negative: -1 x -512542-2 x -256271-251 x -2042-502 x -1021


How do I find the factor combinations of the number 512,542?

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 512,542, 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.

1 512,542
-1 -512,542

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 512,542.

Example:
1 x 512,542 = 512,542
and
-1 x -512,542 = 512,542
Notice both answers equal 512,542

With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 512,542 and divide it by 2:

512,542 ÷ 2 = 256,271

If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 256,271 are factors. In this case, the quotient is a whole number. Write them in the table inside the other two factors like the below example. Don't forget to write the negative numbers too!

Here is what our table should look like at this step:

1 2 256,271 512,542
-1 -2 -256,271 -512,542

Now, we try dividing 512,542 by 3:

512,542 ÷ 3 = 170,847.3333

If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 170,847.3333 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 2 256,271 512,542
-1 -2 -256,271 -512,542

Let's try dividing by 4:

512,542 ÷ 4 = 128,135.5

If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 128,135.5 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 2 256,271 512,542
-1 -2 -256,271 512,542
Keep dividing by the next highest number until you cannot divide anymore.

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

122515021,0212,042256,271512,542
-1-2-251-502-1,021-2,042-256,271-512,542

More Examples

Here are some more numbers to try:

Try the factor calculator

Explore more about the number 512,542:


Ask a Question