How do I find the factor combinations of the number 609,912?
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 609,912, 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.
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 609,912.
Example:
1 x 609,912 = 609,912
and
-1 x -609,912 = 609,912
Notice both answers equal 609,912
With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 609,912 and divide it by 2:
609,912 ÷ 2 = 304,956
If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 304,956 are factors. In this case, the quotient is a whole number. Write them in the table inside the other two factors like the below example. Don't forget to write the negative numbers too!
Here is what our table should look like at this step:
Now, we try dividing 609,912 by 3:
609,912 ÷ 3 = 203,304
If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 203,304 are factors. In this case, the quotient is a whole number. Write them in the table inside the other two factors like the below example. Don't forget to write the negative numbers too!
Here is what our table should look like at this step:
Let's try dividing by 4:
609,912 ÷ 4 = 152,478
If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 152,478 are factors. In this case, the quotient is a whole number. Write them in the table inside the other two factors like the below example. Don't forget to write the negative numbers too!
Here is what our table should look like at this step:
Keep dividing by the next highest number until you cannot divide anymore.
If you did it right, you will end up with this table:
More Examples
Here are some more numbers to try:
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