Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 624,431?
A:
Positive:
1 x 624431241 x 2591
Negative:
-1 x -624431-241 x -2591
A:
Positive:
1 x 624431241 x 2591
Negative:
-1 x -624431-241 x -2591
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 624,431, 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 | 624,431 | |
-1 | -624,431 |
When you multiply two negative numbers together, you get a positive number. That means both the positive and negative numbers are factors of 624,431.
Example:
1 x 624,431 = 624,431
and
-1 x -624,431 = 624,431
Notice both answers equal 624,431
With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 624,431 and divide it by 2:
624,431 ÷ 2 = 312,215.5
If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 312,215.5 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 | 624,431 | |
-1 | -624,431 |
Now, we try dividing 624,431 by 3:
624,431 ÷ 3 = 208,143.6667
If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 208,143.6667 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 | 624,431 | |
-1 | -624,431 |
Let's try dividing by 4:
624,431 ÷ 4 = 156,107.75
If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 156,107.75 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 | 624,431 | |
-1 | 624,431 |
If you did it right, you will end up with this table:
1 | 241 | 2,591 | 624,431 |
-1 | -241 | -2,591 | -624,431 |
Here are some more numbers to try:
Try the factor calculator