Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 556,163?
A:
Positive:
1 x 55616323 x 24181
Negative:
-1 x -556163-23 x -24181
A:
Positive:
1 x 55616323 x 24181
Negative:
-1 x -556163-23 x -24181
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 556,163, 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 | 556,163 | |
-1 | -556,163 |
When you multiply two negative numbers together, you get a positive number. That means both the positive and negative numbers are factors of 556,163.
Example:
1 x 556,163 = 556,163
and
-1 x -556,163 = 556,163
Notice both answers equal 556,163
With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 556,163 and divide it by 2:
556,163 ÷ 2 = 278,081.5
If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 278,081.5 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 | 556,163 | |
-1 | -556,163 |
Now, we try dividing 556,163 by 3:
556,163 ÷ 3 = 185,387.6667
If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 185,387.6667 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 | 556,163 | |
-1 | -556,163 |
Let's try dividing by 4:
556,163 ÷ 4 = 139,040.75
If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 139,040.75 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 | 556,163 | |
-1 | 556,163 |
If you did it right, you will end up with this table:
1 | 23 | 24,181 | 556,163 |
-1 | -23 | -24,181 | -556,163 |
Here are some more numbers to try:
Try the factor calculator