Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 553,937?
A:
Positive:
1 x 553937359 x 1543
Negative:
-1 x -553937-359 x -1543
A:
Positive:
1 x 553937359 x 1543
Negative:
-1 x -553937-359 x -1543
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 553,937, 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 | 553,937 | |
-1 | -553,937 |
When you multiply two negative numbers together, you get a positive number. That means both the positive and negative numbers are factors of 553,937.
Example:
1 x 553,937 = 553,937
and
-1 x -553,937 = 553,937
Notice both answers equal 553,937
With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 553,937 and divide it by 2:
553,937 ÷ 2 = 276,968.5
If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 276,968.5 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 | 553,937 | |
-1 | -553,937 |
Now, we try dividing 553,937 by 3:
553,937 ÷ 3 = 184,645.6667
If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 184,645.6667 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 | 553,937 | |
-1 | -553,937 |
Let's try dividing by 4:
553,937 ÷ 4 = 138,484.25
If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 138,484.25 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 | 553,937 | |
-1 | 553,937 |
If you did it right, you will end up with this table:
1 | 359 | 1,543 | 553,937 |
-1 | -359 | -1,543 | -553,937 |
Here are some more numbers to try:
Try the factor calculator