Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 631,381?
A:
Positive:
1 x 63138183 x 7607
Negative:
-1 x -631381-83 x -7607
A:
Positive:
1 x 63138183 x 7607
Negative:
-1 x -631381-83 x -7607
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 631,381, 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 | 631,381 | |
-1 | -631,381 |
When you multiply two negative numbers together, you get a positive number. That means both the positive and negative numbers are factors of 631,381.
Example:
1 x 631,381 = 631,381
and
-1 x -631,381 = 631,381
Notice both answers equal 631,381
With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 631,381 and divide it by 2:
631,381 ÷ 2 = 315,690.5
If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 315,690.5 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 | 631,381 | |
-1 | -631,381 |
Now, we try dividing 631,381 by 3:
631,381 ÷ 3 = 210,460.3333
If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 210,460.3333 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 | 631,381 | |
-1 | -631,381 |
Let's try dividing by 4:
631,381 ÷ 4 = 157,845.25
If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 157,845.25 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 | 631,381 | |
-1 | 631,381 |
If you did it right, you will end up with this table:
1 | 83 | 7,607 | 631,381 |
-1 | -83 | -7,607 | -631,381 |
Here are some more numbers to try:
Try the factor calculator