Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 561,644?

 A:
Positive:   1 x 5616442 x 2808224 x 140411
Negative: -1 x -561644-2 x -280822-4 x -140411


How do I find the factor combinations of the number 561,644?

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 561,644, 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.

1 561,644
-1 -561,644

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 561,644.

Example:
1 x 561,644 = 561,644
and
-1 x -561,644 = 561,644
Notice both answers equal 561,644

With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 561,644 and divide it by 2:

561,644 ÷ 2 = 280,822

If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 280,822 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:

1 2 280,822 561,644
-1 -2 -280,822 -561,644

Now, we try dividing 561,644 by 3:

561,644 ÷ 3 = 187,214.6667

If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 187,214.6667 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 2 280,822 561,644
-1 -2 -280,822 -561,644

Let's try dividing by 4:

561,644 ÷ 4 = 140,411

If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 140,411 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:

1 2 4 140,411 280,822 561,644
-1 -2 -4 -140,411 -280,822 561,644
Keep dividing by the next highest number until you cannot divide anymore.

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

124140,411280,822561,644
-1-2-4-140,411-280,822-561,644

More Examples

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