Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 550,544,983?

 A:
Positive:   1 x 55054498317 x 32384999
Negative: -1 x -550544983-17 x -32384999


How do I find the factor combinations of the number 550,544,983?

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 550,544,983, 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.

1 550,544,983
-1 -550,544,983

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 550,544,983.

Example:
1 x 550,544,983 = 550,544,983
and
-1 x -550,544,983 = 550,544,983
Notice both answers equal 550,544,983

With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 550,544,983 and divide it by 2:

550,544,983 ÷ 2 = 275,272,491.5

If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 275,272,491.5 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:

1 550,544,983
-1 -550,544,983

Now, we try dividing 550,544,983 by 3:

550,544,983 ÷ 3 = 183,514,994.3333

If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 183,514,994.3333 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:

1 550,544,983
-1 -550,544,983

Let's try dividing by 4:

550,544,983 ÷ 4 = 137,636,245.75

If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 137,636,245.75 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:

1 550,544,983
-1 550,544,983
Keep dividing by the next highest number until you cannot divide anymore.

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

11732,384,999550,544,983
-1-17-32,384,999-550,544,983

More Examples

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