Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 552,373?

 A:
Positive:   1 x 55237337 x 14929
Negative: -1 x -552373-37 x -14929


How do I find the factor combinations of the number 552,373?

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 552,373, 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.

1 552,373
-1 -552,373

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 552,373.

Example:
1 x 552,373 = 552,373
and
-1 x -552,373 = 552,373
Notice both answers equal 552,373

With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 552,373 and divide it by 2:

552,373 ÷ 2 = 276,186.5

If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 276,186.5 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:

1 552,373
-1 -552,373

Now, we try dividing 552,373 by 3:

552,373 ÷ 3 = 184,124.3333

If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 184,124.3333 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:

1 552,373
-1 -552,373

Let's try dividing by 4:

552,373 ÷ 4 = 138,093.25

If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 138,093.25 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:

1 552,373
-1 552,373
Keep dividing by the next highest number until you cannot divide anymore.

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

13714,929552,373
-1-37-14,929-552,373

More Examples

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