Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 620,514,638?

 A:
Positive:   1 x 6205146382 x 310257319
Negative: -1 x -620514638-2 x -310257319


How do I find the factor combinations of the number 620,514,638?

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 620,514,638, 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.

1 620,514,638
-1 -620,514,638

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 620,514,638.

Example:
1 x 620,514,638 = 620,514,638
and
-1 x -620,514,638 = 620,514,638
Notice both answers equal 620,514,638

With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 620,514,638 and divide it by 2:

620,514,638 ÷ 2 = 310,257,319

If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 310,257,319 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:

1 2 310,257,319 620,514,638
-1 -2 -310,257,319 -620,514,638

Now, we try dividing 620,514,638 by 3:

620,514,638 ÷ 3 = 206,838,212.6667

If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 206,838,212.6667 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 2 310,257,319 620,514,638
-1 -2 -310,257,319 -620,514,638

Let's try dividing by 4:

620,514,638 ÷ 4 = 155,128,659.5

If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 155,128,659.5 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 2 310,257,319 620,514,638
-1 -2 -310,257,319 620,514,638
Keep dividing by the next highest number until you cannot divide anymore.

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

12310,257,319620,514,638
-1-2-310,257,319-620,514,638

More Examples

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