Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 638,773?

 A:
Positive:   1 x 638773397 x 1609
Negative: -1 x -638773-397 x -1609


How do I find the factor combinations of the number 638,773?

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 638,773, 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.

1 638,773
-1 -638,773

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 638,773.

Example:
1 x 638,773 = 638,773
and
-1 x -638,773 = 638,773
Notice both answers equal 638,773

With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 638,773 and divide it by 2:

638,773 ÷ 2 = 319,386.5

If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 319,386.5 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:

1 638,773
-1 -638,773

Now, we try dividing 638,773 by 3:

638,773 ÷ 3 = 212,924.3333

If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 212,924.3333 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:

1 638,773
-1 -638,773

Let's try dividing by 4:

638,773 ÷ 4 = 159,693.25

If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 159,693.25 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:

1 638,773
-1 638,773
Keep dividing by the next highest number until you cannot divide anymore.

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

13971,609638,773
-1-397-1,609-638,773

More Examples

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