Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 528,721?

 A:
Positive:   1 x 528721271 x 1951
Negative: -1 x -528721-271 x -1951


How do I find the factor combinations of the number 528,721?

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 528,721, 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.

1 528,721
-1 -528,721

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 528,721.

Example:
1 x 528,721 = 528,721
and
-1 x -528,721 = 528,721
Notice both answers equal 528,721

With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 528,721 and divide it by 2:

528,721 ÷ 2 = 264,360.5

If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 264,360.5 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:

1 528,721
-1 -528,721

Now, we try dividing 528,721 by 3:

528,721 ÷ 3 = 176,240.3333

If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 176,240.3333 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:

1 528,721
-1 -528,721

Let's try dividing by 4:

528,721 ÷ 4 = 132,180.25

If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 132,180.25 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:

1 528,721
-1 528,721
Keep dividing by the next highest number until you cannot divide anymore.

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

12711,951528,721
-1-271-1,951-528,721

More Examples

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