Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 588,613?
A:
Positive:
1 x 58861329 x 20297
Negative:
-1 x -588613-29 x -20297
A:
Positive:
1 x 58861329 x 20297
Negative:
-1 x -588613-29 x -20297
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 588,613, 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 | 588,613 | |
-1 | -588,613 |
When you multiply two negative numbers together, you get a positive number. That means both the positive and negative numbers are factors of 588,613.
Example:
1 x 588,613 = 588,613
and
-1 x -588,613 = 588,613
Notice both answers equal 588,613
With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 588,613 and divide it by 2:
588,613 ÷ 2 = 294,306.5
If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 294,306.5 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 | 588,613 | |
-1 | -588,613 |
Now, we try dividing 588,613 by 3:
588,613 ÷ 3 = 196,204.3333
If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 196,204.3333 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 | 588,613 | |
-1 | -588,613 |
Let's try dividing by 4:
588,613 ÷ 4 = 147,153.25
If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 147,153.25 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 | 588,613 | |
-1 | 588,613 |
If you did it right, you will end up with this table:
1 | 29 | 20,297 | 588,613 |
-1 | -29 | -20,297 | -588,613 |
Here are some more numbers to try:
Try the factor calculator