How do I find the factor combinations of the number 562,314,547?
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 562,314,547, 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 |
|
562,314,547 |
-1 |
|
-562,314,547 |
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 562,314,547.
Example:
1 x 562,314,547 = 562,314,547
and
-1 x -562,314,547 = 562,314,547
Notice both answers equal 562,314,547
With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 562,314,547 and divide it by 2:
562,314,547 ÷ 2 = 281,157,273.5
If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 281,157,273.5 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 562,314,547 by 3:
562,314,547 ÷ 3 = 187,438,182.3333
If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 187,438,182.3333 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:
Let's try dividing by 4:
562,314,547 ÷ 4 = 140,578,636.75
If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 140,578,636.75 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:
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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