Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 603,943?
A:
Positive:
1 x 603943173 x 3491
Negative:
-1 x -603943-173 x -3491
A:
Positive:
1 x 603943173 x 3491
Negative:
-1 x -603943-173 x -3491
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 603,943, 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 | 603,943 | |
-1 | -603,943 |
When you multiply two negative numbers together, you get a positive number. That means both the positive and negative numbers are factors of 603,943.
Example:
1 x 603,943 = 603,943
and
-1 x -603,943 = 603,943
Notice both answers equal 603,943
With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 603,943 and divide it by 2:
603,943 ÷ 2 = 301,971.5
If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 301,971.5 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 | 603,943 | |
-1 | -603,943 |
Now, we try dividing 603,943 by 3:
603,943 ÷ 3 = 201,314.3333
If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 201,314.3333 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 | 603,943 | |
-1 | -603,943 |
Let's try dividing by 4:
603,943 ÷ 4 = 150,985.75
If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 150,985.75 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 | 603,943 | |
-1 | 603,943 |
If you did it right, you will end up with this table:
1 | 173 | 3,491 | 603,943 |
-1 | -173 | -3,491 | -603,943 |
Here are some more numbers to try:
Try the factor calculator