Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 549,685?
A:
Positive:
1 x 5496855 x 109937
Negative:
-1 x -549685-5 x -109937
A:
Positive:
1 x 5496855 x 109937
Negative:
-1 x -549685-5 x -109937
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 549,685, 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 | 549,685 | |
-1 | -549,685 |
When you multiply two negative numbers together, you get a positive number. That means both the positive and negative numbers are factors of 549,685.
Example:
1 x 549,685 = 549,685
and
-1 x -549,685 = 549,685
Notice both answers equal 549,685
With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 549,685 and divide it by 2:
549,685 ÷ 2 = 274,842.5
If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 274,842.5 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 | 549,685 | |
-1 | -549,685 |
Now, we try dividing 549,685 by 3:
549,685 ÷ 3 = 183,228.3333
If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 183,228.3333 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 | 549,685 | |
-1 | -549,685 |
Let's try dividing by 4:
549,685 ÷ 4 = 137,421.25
If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 137,421.25 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 | 549,685 | |
-1 | 549,685 |
If you did it right, you will end up with this table:
1 | 5 | 109,937 | 549,685 |
-1 | -5 | -109,937 | -549,685 |
Here are some more numbers to try:
Try the factor calculator