Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 636,487?
A:
Positive:
1 x 63648773 x 8719
Negative:
-1 x -636487-73 x -8719
A:
Positive:
1 x 63648773 x 8719
Negative:
-1 x -636487-73 x -8719
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 636,487, 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 | 636,487 | |
-1 | -636,487 |
When you multiply two negative numbers together, you get a positive number. That means both the positive and negative numbers are factors of 636,487.
Example:
1 x 636,487 = 636,487
and
-1 x -636,487 = 636,487
Notice both answers equal 636,487
With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 636,487 and divide it by 2:
636,487 ÷ 2 = 318,243.5
If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 318,243.5 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 | 636,487 | |
-1 | -636,487 |
Now, we try dividing 636,487 by 3:
636,487 ÷ 3 = 212,162.3333
If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 212,162.3333 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 | 636,487 | |
-1 | -636,487 |
Let's try dividing by 4:
636,487 ÷ 4 = 159,121.75
If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 159,121.75 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 | 636,487 | |
-1 | 636,487 |
If you did it right, you will end up with this table:
1 | 73 | 8,719 | 636,487 |
-1 | -73 | -8,719 | -636,487 |
Here are some more numbers to try:
Try the factor calculator