Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 552,599?
A:
Positive:
1 x 55259961 x 9059
Negative:
-1 x -552599-61 x -9059
A:
Positive:
1 x 55259961 x 9059
Negative:
-1 x -552599-61 x -9059
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 552,599, 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 | 552,599 | |
-1 | -552,599 |
When you multiply two negative numbers together, you get a positive number. That means both the positive and negative numbers are factors of 552,599.
Example:
1 x 552,599 = 552,599
and
-1 x -552,599 = 552,599
Notice both answers equal 552,599
With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 552,599 and divide it by 2:
552,599 ÷ 2 = 276,299.5
If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 276,299.5 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 | 552,599 | |
-1 | -552,599 |
Now, we try dividing 552,599 by 3:
552,599 ÷ 3 = 184,199.6667
If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 184,199.6667 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 | 552,599 | |
-1 | -552,599 |
Let's try dividing by 4:
552,599 ÷ 4 = 138,149.75
If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 138,149.75 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 | 552,599 | |
-1 | 552,599 |
If you did it right, you will end up with this table:
1 | 61 | 9,059 | 552,599 |
-1 | -61 | -9,059 | -552,599 |
Here are some more numbers to try:
Try the factor calculator