Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 60,979?
A:
Positive:
1 x 6097917 x 3587211 x 289
Negative:
-1 x -60979-17 x -3587-211 x -289
A:
Positive:
1 x 6097917 x 3587211 x 289
Negative:
-1 x -60979-17 x -3587-211 x -289
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 60,979, 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 | 60,979 | |
-1 | -60,979 |
When you multiply two negative numbers together, you get a positive number. That means both the positive and negative numbers are factors of 60,979.
Example:
1 x 60,979 = 60,979
and
-1 x -60,979 = 60,979
Notice both answers equal 60,979
With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 60,979 and divide it by 2:
60,979 ÷ 2 = 30,489.5
If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 30,489.5 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 | 60,979 | |
-1 | -60,979 |
Now, we try dividing 60,979 by 3:
60,979 ÷ 3 = 20,326.3333
If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 20,326.3333 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 | 60,979 | |
-1 | -60,979 |
Let's try dividing by 4:
60,979 ÷ 4 = 15,244.75
If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 15,244.75 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 | 60,979 | |
-1 | 60,979 |
If you did it right, you will end up with this table:
1 | 17 | 211 | 289 | 3,587 | 60,979 |
-1 | -17 | -211 | -289 | -3,587 | -60,979 |
Here are some more numbers to try:
Try the factor calculator