Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 524,609?
A:
Positive:
1 x 52460919 x 27611
Negative:
-1 x -524609-19 x -27611
A:
Positive:
1 x 52460919 x 27611
Negative:
-1 x -524609-19 x -27611
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 524,609, 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 | 524,609 | |
-1 | -524,609 |
When you multiply two negative numbers together, you get a positive number. That means both the positive and negative numbers are factors of 524,609.
Example:
1 x 524,609 = 524,609
and
-1 x -524,609 = 524,609
Notice both answers equal 524,609
With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 524,609 and divide it by 2:
524,609 ÷ 2 = 262,304.5
If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 262,304.5 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 | 524,609 | |
-1 | -524,609 |
Now, we try dividing 524,609 by 3:
524,609 ÷ 3 = 174,869.6667
If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 174,869.6667 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 | 524,609 | |
-1 | -524,609 |
Let's try dividing by 4:
524,609 ÷ 4 = 131,152.25
If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 131,152.25 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 | 524,609 | |
-1 | 524,609 |
If you did it right, you will end up with this table:
1 | 19 | 27,611 | 524,609 |
-1 | -19 | -27,611 | -524,609 |
Here are some more numbers to try:
Try the factor calculator