Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 598,915?

 A:
Positive:   1 x 5989155 x 119783
Negative: -1 x -598915-5 x -119783


How do I find the factor combinations of the number 598,915?

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 598,915, 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.

1 598,915
-1 -598,915

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 598,915.

Example:
1 x 598,915 = 598,915
and
-1 x -598,915 = 598,915
Notice both answers equal 598,915

With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 598,915 and divide it by 2:

598,915 ÷ 2 = 299,457.5

If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 299,457.5 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:

1 598,915
-1 -598,915

Now, we try dividing 598,915 by 3:

598,915 ÷ 3 = 199,638.3333

If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 199,638.3333 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:

1 598,915
-1 -598,915

Let's try dividing by 4:

598,915 ÷ 4 = 149,728.75

If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 149,728.75 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:

1 598,915
-1 598,915
Keep dividing by the next highest number until you cannot divide anymore.

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

15119,783598,915
-1-5-119,783-598,915

More Examples

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