Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 597,845?
A:
Positive:
1 x 5978455 x 119569
Negative:
-1 x -597845-5 x -119569
A:
Positive:
1 x 5978455 x 119569
Negative:
-1 x -597845-5 x -119569
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 597,845, 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 | 597,845 | |
-1 | -597,845 |
When you multiply two negative numbers together, you get a positive number. That means both the positive and negative numbers are factors of 597,845.
Example:
1 x 597,845 = 597,845
and
-1 x -597,845 = 597,845
Notice both answers equal 597,845
With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 597,845 and divide it by 2:
597,845 ÷ 2 = 298,922.5
If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 298,922.5 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 | 597,845 | |
-1 | -597,845 |
Now, we try dividing 597,845 by 3:
597,845 ÷ 3 = 199,281.6667
If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 199,281.6667 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 | 597,845 | |
-1 | -597,845 |
Let's try dividing by 4:
597,845 ÷ 4 = 149,461.25
If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 149,461.25 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 | 597,845 | |
-1 | 597,845 |
If you did it right, you will end up with this table:
1 | 5 | 119,569 | 597,845 |
-1 | -5 | -119,569 | -597,845 |
Here are some more numbers to try:
Try the factor calculator