How do I find the factor combinations of the number 560,878,641?
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 560,878,641, 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 |
|
560,878,641 |
-1 |
|
-560,878,641 |
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 560,878,641.
Example:
1 x 560,878,641 = 560,878,641
and
-1 x -560,878,641 = 560,878,641
Notice both answers equal 560,878,641
With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 560,878,641 and divide it by 2:
560,878,641 ÷ 2 = 280,439,320.5
If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 280,439,320.5 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:
Now, we try dividing 560,878,641 by 3:
560,878,641 ÷ 3 = 186,959,547
If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 186,959,547 are factors. In this case, the quotient is a whole number. Write them in the table inside the other two factors like the below example. Don't forget to write the negative numbers too!
Here is what our table should look like at this step:
Let's try dividing by 4:
560,878,641 ÷ 4 = 140,219,660.25
If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 140,219,660.25 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:
Keep dividing by the next highest number until you cannot divide anymore.
If you did it right, you will end up with this table:
More Examples
Here are some more numbers to try:
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