Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 596,348?
A:
Positive:
1 x 5963482 x 2981744 x 149087
Negative:
-1 x -596348-2 x -298174-4 x -149087
A:
Positive:
1 x 5963482 x 2981744 x 149087
Negative:
-1 x -596348-2 x -298174-4 x -149087
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 596,348, 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 | 596,348 | |
-1 | -596,348 |
When you multiply two negative numbers together, you get a positive number. That means both the positive and negative numbers are factors of 596,348.
Example:
1 x 596,348 = 596,348
and
-1 x -596,348 = 596,348
Notice both answers equal 596,348
With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 596,348 and divide it by 2:
596,348 ÷ 2 = 298,174
If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 298,174 are factors. In this case, the quotient is a whole number. Write them in the table inside the other two factors like the below example. Don't forget to write the negative numbers too!
Here is what our table should look like at this step:
1 | 2 | 298,174 | 596,348 | |
-1 | -2 | -298,174 | -596,348 |
Now, we try dividing 596,348 by 3:
596,348 ÷ 3 = 198,782.6667
If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 198,782.6667 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 | 2 | 298,174 | 596,348 | |
-1 | -2 | -298,174 | -596,348 |
Let's try dividing by 4:
596,348 ÷ 4 = 149,087
If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 149,087 are factors. In this case, the quotient is a whole number. Write them in the table inside the other two factors like the below example. Don't forget to write the negative numbers too!
Here is what our table should look like at this step:
1 | 2 | 4 | 149,087 | 298,174 | 596,348 | |
-1 | -2 | -4 | -149,087 | -298,174 | 596,348 |
If you did it right, you will end up with this table:
1 | 2 | 4 | 149,087 | 298,174 | 596,348 |
-1 | -2 | -4 | -149,087 | -298,174 | -596,348 |
Here are some more numbers to try:
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