Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 512,749?
A:
Positive:
1 x 51274929 x 17681
Negative:
-1 x -512749-29 x -17681
A:
Positive:
1 x 51274929 x 17681
Negative:
-1 x -512749-29 x -17681
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 512,749, 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 | 512,749 | |
-1 | -512,749 |
When you multiply two negative numbers together, you get a positive number. That means both the positive and negative numbers are factors of 512,749.
Example:
1 x 512,749 = 512,749
and
-1 x -512,749 = 512,749
Notice both answers equal 512,749
With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 512,749 and divide it by 2:
512,749 ÷ 2 = 256,374.5
If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 256,374.5 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 | 512,749 | |
-1 | -512,749 |
Now, we try dividing 512,749 by 3:
512,749 ÷ 3 = 170,916.3333
If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 170,916.3333 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 | 512,749 | |
-1 | -512,749 |
Let's try dividing by 4:
512,749 ÷ 4 = 128,187.25
If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 128,187.25 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 | 512,749 | |
-1 | 512,749 |
If you did it right, you will end up with this table:
1 | 29 | 17,681 | 512,749 |
-1 | -29 | -17,681 | -512,749 |
Here are some more numbers to try:
Try the factor calculator