Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 521,765?

 A:
Positive:   1 x 5217655 x 104353241 x 2165433 x 1205
Negative: -1 x -521765-5 x -104353-241 x -2165-433 x -1205


How do I find the factor combinations of the number 521,765?

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 521,765, 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.

1 521,765
-1 -521,765

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 521,765.

Example:
1 x 521,765 = 521,765
and
-1 x -521,765 = 521,765
Notice both answers equal 521,765

With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 521,765 and divide it by 2:

521,765 ÷ 2 = 260,882.5

If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 260,882.5 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:

1 521,765
-1 -521,765

Now, we try dividing 521,765 by 3:

521,765 ÷ 3 = 173,921.6667

If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 173,921.6667 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:

1 521,765
-1 -521,765

Let's try dividing by 4:

521,765 ÷ 4 = 130,441.25

If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 130,441.25 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:

1 521,765
-1 521,765
Keep dividing by the next highest number until you cannot divide anymore.

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

152414331,2052,165104,353521,765
-1-5-241-433-1,205-2,165-104,353-521,765

More Examples

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