Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 637,843?
A:
Positive:
1 x 63784337 x 17239
Negative:
-1 x -637843-37 x -17239
A:
Positive:
1 x 63784337 x 17239
Negative:
-1 x -637843-37 x -17239
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 637,843, 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 | 637,843 | |
-1 | -637,843 |
When you multiply two negative numbers together, you get a positive number. That means both the positive and negative numbers are factors of 637,843.
Example:
1 x 637,843 = 637,843
and
-1 x -637,843 = 637,843
Notice both answers equal 637,843
With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 637,843 and divide it by 2:
637,843 ÷ 2 = 318,921.5
If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 318,921.5 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 | 637,843 | |
-1 | -637,843 |
Now, we try dividing 637,843 by 3:
637,843 ÷ 3 = 212,614.3333
If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 212,614.3333 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 | 637,843 | |
-1 | -637,843 |
Let's try dividing by 4:
637,843 ÷ 4 = 159,460.75
If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 159,460.75 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 | 637,843 | |
-1 | 637,843 |
If you did it right, you will end up with this table:
1 | 37 | 17,239 | 637,843 |
-1 | -37 | -17,239 | -637,843 |
Here are some more numbers to try:
Try the factor calculator