Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 613,987?

 A:
Positive:   1 x 61398711 x 55817
Negative: -1 x -613987-11 x -55817


How do I find the factor combinations of the number 613,987?

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 613,987, 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.

1 613,987
-1 -613,987

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 613,987.

Example:
1 x 613,987 = 613,987
and
-1 x -613,987 = 613,987
Notice both answers equal 613,987

With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 613,987 and divide it by 2:

613,987 ÷ 2 = 306,993.5

If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 306,993.5 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:

1 613,987
-1 -613,987

Now, we try dividing 613,987 by 3:

613,987 ÷ 3 = 204,662.3333

If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 204,662.3333 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:

1 613,987
-1 -613,987

Let's try dividing by 4:

613,987 ÷ 4 = 153,496.75

If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 153,496.75 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:

1 613,987
-1 613,987
Keep dividing by the next highest number until you cannot divide anymore.

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

11155,817613,987
-1-11-55,817-613,987

More Examples

Here are some more numbers to try:

Try the factor calculator

Explore more about the number 613,987:


Ask a Question