Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 558,727?
A:
Positive:
1 x 55872713 x 42979
Negative:
-1 x -558727-13 x -42979
A:
Positive:
1 x 55872713 x 42979
Negative:
-1 x -558727-13 x -42979
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 558,727, 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 | 558,727 | |
-1 | -558,727 |
When you multiply two negative numbers together, you get a positive number. That means both the positive and negative numbers are factors of 558,727.
Example:
1 x 558,727 = 558,727
and
-1 x -558,727 = 558,727
Notice both answers equal 558,727
With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 558,727 and divide it by 2:
558,727 ÷ 2 = 279,363.5
If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 279,363.5 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 | 558,727 | |
-1 | -558,727 |
Now, we try dividing 558,727 by 3:
558,727 ÷ 3 = 186,242.3333
If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 186,242.3333 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 | 558,727 | |
-1 | -558,727 |
Let's try dividing by 4:
558,727 ÷ 4 = 139,681.75
If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 139,681.75 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 | 558,727 | |
-1 | 558,727 |
If you did it right, you will end up with this table:
1 | 13 | 42,979 | 558,727 |
-1 | -13 | -42,979 | -558,727 |
Here are some more numbers to try:
Try the factor calculator