Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 574,871?

 A:
Positive:   1 x 57487111 x 52261121 x 4751
Negative: -1 x -574871-11 x -52261-121 x -4751


How do I find the factor combinations of the number 574,871?

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 574,871, 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.

1 574,871
-1 -574,871

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 574,871.

Example:
1 x 574,871 = 574,871
and
-1 x -574,871 = 574,871
Notice both answers equal 574,871

With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 574,871 and divide it by 2:

574,871 ÷ 2 = 287,435.5

If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 287,435.5 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:

1 574,871
-1 -574,871

Now, we try dividing 574,871 by 3:

574,871 ÷ 3 = 191,623.6667

If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 191,623.6667 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:

1 574,871
-1 -574,871

Let's try dividing by 4:

574,871 ÷ 4 = 143,717.75

If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 143,717.75 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:

1 574,871
-1 574,871
Keep dividing by the next highest number until you cannot divide anymore.

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

1111214,75152,261574,871
-1-11-121-4,751-52,261-574,871

More Examples

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