Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 592,021?

 A:
Positive:   1 x 59202119 x 31159
Negative: -1 x -592021-19 x -31159


How do I find the factor combinations of the number 592,021?

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 592,021, 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.

1 592,021
-1 -592,021

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 592,021.

Example:
1 x 592,021 = 592,021
and
-1 x -592,021 = 592,021
Notice both answers equal 592,021

With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 592,021 and divide it by 2:

592,021 ÷ 2 = 296,010.5

If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 296,010.5 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:

1 592,021
-1 -592,021

Now, we try dividing 592,021 by 3:

592,021 ÷ 3 = 197,340.3333

If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 197,340.3333 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:

1 592,021
-1 -592,021

Let's try dividing by 4:

592,021 ÷ 4 = 148,005.25

If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 148,005.25 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:

1 592,021
-1 592,021
Keep dividing by the next highest number until you cannot divide anymore.

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

11931,159592,021
-1-19-31,159-592,021

More Examples

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