Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 599,171?
A:
Positive:
1 x 599171359 x 1669
Negative:
-1 x -599171-359 x -1669
A:
Positive:
1 x 599171359 x 1669
Negative:
-1 x -599171-359 x -1669
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 599,171, 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 | 599,171 | |
-1 | -599,171 |
When you multiply two negative numbers together, you get a positive number. That means both the positive and negative numbers are factors of 599,171.
Example:
1 x 599,171 = 599,171
and
-1 x -599,171 = 599,171
Notice both answers equal 599,171
With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 599,171 and divide it by 2:
599,171 ÷ 2 = 299,585.5
If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 299,585.5 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 | 599,171 | |
-1 | -599,171 |
Now, we try dividing 599,171 by 3:
599,171 ÷ 3 = 199,723.6667
If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 199,723.6667 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 | 599,171 | |
-1 | -599,171 |
Let's try dividing by 4:
599,171 ÷ 4 = 149,792.75
If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 149,792.75 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 | 599,171 | |
-1 | 599,171 |
If you did it right, you will end up with this table:
1 | 359 | 1,669 | 599,171 |
-1 | -359 | -1,669 | -599,171 |
Here are some more numbers to try:
Try the factor calculator