Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 555,721?
A:
Positive:
1 x 55572159 x 9419
Negative:
-1 x -555721-59 x -9419
A:
Positive:
1 x 55572159 x 9419
Negative:
-1 x -555721-59 x -9419
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 555,721, 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 | 555,721 | |
-1 | -555,721 |
When you multiply two negative numbers together, you get a positive number. That means both the positive and negative numbers are factors of 555,721.
Example:
1 x 555,721 = 555,721
and
-1 x -555,721 = 555,721
Notice both answers equal 555,721
With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 555,721 and divide it by 2:
555,721 ÷ 2 = 277,860.5
If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 277,860.5 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 | 555,721 | |
-1 | -555,721 |
Now, we try dividing 555,721 by 3:
555,721 ÷ 3 = 185,240.3333
If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 185,240.3333 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 | 555,721 | |
-1 | -555,721 |
Let's try dividing by 4:
555,721 ÷ 4 = 138,930.25
If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 138,930.25 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 | 555,721 | |
-1 | 555,721 |
If you did it right, you will end up with this table:
1 | 59 | 9,419 | 555,721 |
-1 | -59 | -9,419 | -555,721 |
Here are some more numbers to try:
Try the factor calculator