Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 589,733?
A:
Positive:
1 x 589733277 x 2129
Negative:
-1 x -589733-277 x -2129
A:
Positive:
1 x 589733277 x 2129
Negative:
-1 x -589733-277 x -2129
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 589,733, 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 | 589,733 | |
-1 | -589,733 |
When you multiply two negative numbers together, you get a positive number. That means both the positive and negative numbers are factors of 589,733.
Example:
1 x 589,733 = 589,733
and
-1 x -589,733 = 589,733
Notice both answers equal 589,733
With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 589,733 and divide it by 2:
589,733 ÷ 2 = 294,866.5
If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 294,866.5 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 | 589,733 | |
-1 | -589,733 |
Now, we try dividing 589,733 by 3:
589,733 ÷ 3 = 196,577.6667
If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 196,577.6667 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 | 589,733 | |
-1 | -589,733 |
Let's try dividing by 4:
589,733 ÷ 4 = 147,433.25
If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 147,433.25 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 | 589,733 | |
-1 | 589,733 |
If you did it right, you will end up with this table:
1 | 277 | 2,129 | 589,733 |
-1 | -277 | -2,129 | -589,733 |
Here are some more numbers to try:
Try the factor calculator