Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 523,871?
A:
Positive:
1 x 52387123 x 22777
Negative:
-1 x -523871-23 x -22777
A:
Positive:
1 x 52387123 x 22777
Negative:
-1 x -523871-23 x -22777
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 523,871, 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 | 523,871 | |
-1 | -523,871 |
When you multiply two negative numbers together, you get a positive number. That means both the positive and negative numbers are factors of 523,871.
Example:
1 x 523,871 = 523,871
and
-1 x -523,871 = 523,871
Notice both answers equal 523,871
With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 523,871 and divide it by 2:
523,871 ÷ 2 = 261,935.5
If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 261,935.5 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 | 523,871 | |
-1 | -523,871 |
Now, we try dividing 523,871 by 3:
523,871 ÷ 3 = 174,623.6667
If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 174,623.6667 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 | 523,871 | |
-1 | -523,871 |
Let's try dividing by 4:
523,871 ÷ 4 = 130,967.75
If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 130,967.75 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 | 523,871 | |
-1 | 523,871 |
If you did it right, you will end up with this table:
1 | 23 | 22,777 | 523,871 |
-1 | -23 | -22,777 | -523,871 |
Here are some more numbers to try:
Try the factor calculator