Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 581,881?
A:
Positive:
1 x 581881311 x 1871
Negative:
-1 x -581881-311 x -1871
A:
Positive:
1 x 581881311 x 1871
Negative:
-1 x -581881-311 x -1871
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 581,881, 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 | 581,881 | |
-1 | -581,881 |
When you multiply two negative numbers together, you get a positive number. That means both the positive and negative numbers are factors of 581,881.
Example:
1 x 581,881 = 581,881
and
-1 x -581,881 = 581,881
Notice both answers equal 581,881
With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 581,881 and divide it by 2:
581,881 ÷ 2 = 290,940.5
If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 290,940.5 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 | 581,881 | |
-1 | -581,881 |
Now, we try dividing 581,881 by 3:
581,881 ÷ 3 = 193,960.3333
If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 193,960.3333 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 | 581,881 | |
-1 | -581,881 |
Let's try dividing by 4:
581,881 ÷ 4 = 145,470.25
If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 145,470.25 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:
1 | 581,881 | |
-1 | 581,881 |
If you did it right, you will end up with this table:
1 | 311 | 1,871 | 581,881 |
-1 | -311 | -1,871 | -581,881 |
Here are some more numbers to try:
Try the factor calculator