Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 640,999?
A:
Positive:
1 x 640999179 x 3581
Negative:
-1 x -640999-179 x -3581
A:
Positive:
1 x 640999179 x 3581
Negative:
-1 x -640999-179 x -3581
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 640,999, 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 | 640,999 | |
-1 | -640,999 |
When you multiply two negative numbers together, you get a positive number. That means both the positive and negative numbers are factors of 640,999.
Example:
1 x 640,999 = 640,999
and
-1 x -640,999 = 640,999
Notice both answers equal 640,999
With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 640,999 and divide it by 2:
640,999 ÷ 2 = 320,499.5
If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 320,499.5 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 | 640,999 | |
-1 | -640,999 |
Now, we try dividing 640,999 by 3:
640,999 ÷ 3 = 213,666.3333
If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 213,666.3333 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 | 640,999 | |
-1 | -640,999 |
Let's try dividing by 4:
640,999 ÷ 4 = 160,249.75
If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 160,249.75 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 | 640,999 | |
-1 | 640,999 |
If you did it right, you will end up with this table:
1 | 179 | 3,581 | 640,999 |
-1 | -179 | -3,581 | -640,999 |
Here are some more numbers to try:
Try the factor calculator