Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 537,545?
A:
Positive:
1 x 5375455 x 107509
Negative:
-1 x -537545-5 x -107509
A:
Positive:
1 x 5375455 x 107509
Negative:
-1 x -537545-5 x -107509
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 537,545, 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 | 537,545 | |
-1 | -537,545 |
When you multiply two negative numbers together, you get a positive number. That means both the positive and negative numbers are factors of 537,545.
Example:
1 x 537,545 = 537,545
and
-1 x -537,545 = 537,545
Notice both answers equal 537,545
With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 537,545 and divide it by 2:
537,545 ÷ 2 = 268,772.5
If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 268,772.5 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 | 537,545 | |
-1 | -537,545 |
Now, we try dividing 537,545 by 3:
537,545 ÷ 3 = 179,181.6667
If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 179,181.6667 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 | 537,545 | |
-1 | -537,545 |
Let's try dividing by 4:
537,545 ÷ 4 = 134,386.25
If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 134,386.25 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 | 537,545 | |
-1 | 537,545 |
If you did it right, you will end up with this table:
1 | 5 | 107,509 | 537,545 |
-1 | -5 | -107,509 | -537,545 |
Here are some more numbers to try:
Try the factor calculator