Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 530,588?

 A:
Positive:   1 x 5305882 x 2652944 x 132647
Negative: -1 x -530588-2 x -265294-4 x -132647


How do I find the factor combinations of the number 530,588?

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 530,588, 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.

1 530,588
-1 -530,588

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 530,588.

Example:
1 x 530,588 = 530,588
and
-1 x -530,588 = 530,588
Notice both answers equal 530,588

With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 530,588 and divide it by 2:

530,588 ÷ 2 = 265,294

If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 265,294 are factors. In this case, the quotient is a whole number. Write them in the table inside the other two factors like the below example. Don't forget to write the negative numbers too!

Here is what our table should look like at this step:

1 2 265,294 530,588
-1 -2 -265,294 -530,588

Now, we try dividing 530,588 by 3:

530,588 ÷ 3 = 176,862.6667

If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 176,862.6667 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 2 265,294 530,588
-1 -2 -265,294 -530,588

Let's try dividing by 4:

530,588 ÷ 4 = 132,647

If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 132,647 are factors. In this case, the quotient is a whole number. Write them in the table inside the other two factors like the below example. Don't forget to write the negative numbers too!

Here is what our table should look like at this step:

1 2 4 132,647 265,294 530,588
-1 -2 -4 -132,647 -265,294 530,588
Keep dividing by the next highest number until you cannot divide anymore.

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

124132,647265,294530,588
-1-2-4-132,647-265,294-530,588

More Examples

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