Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 557,239?

 A:
Positive:   1 x 55723967 x 8317
Negative: -1 x -557239-67 x -8317


How do I find the factor combinations of the number 557,239?

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 557,239, 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.

1 557,239
-1 -557,239

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 557,239.

Example:
1 x 557,239 = 557,239
and
-1 x -557,239 = 557,239
Notice both answers equal 557,239

With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 557,239 and divide it by 2:

557,239 ÷ 2 = 278,619.5

If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 278,619.5 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:

1 557,239
-1 -557,239

Now, we try dividing 557,239 by 3:

557,239 ÷ 3 = 185,746.3333

If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 185,746.3333 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:

1 557,239
-1 -557,239

Let's try dividing by 4:

557,239 ÷ 4 = 139,309.75

If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 139,309.75 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:

1 557,239
-1 557,239
Keep dividing by the next highest number until you cannot divide anymore.

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

1678,317557,239
-1-67-8,317-557,239

More Examples

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