Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 650,228?

 A:
Positive:   1 x 6502282 x 3251144 x 162557
Negative: -1 x -650228-2 x -325114-4 x -162557


How do I find the factor combinations of the number 650,228?

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 650,228, 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.

1 650,228
-1 -650,228

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 650,228.

Example:
1 x 650,228 = 650,228
and
-1 x -650,228 = 650,228
Notice both answers equal 650,228

With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 650,228 and divide it by 2:

650,228 ÷ 2 = 325,114

If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 325,114 are factors. In this case, the quotient is a whole number. Write them in the table inside the other two factors like the below example. Don't forget to write the negative numbers too!

Here is what our table should look like at this step:

1 2 325,114 650,228
-1 -2 -325,114 -650,228

Now, we try dividing 650,228 by 3:

650,228 ÷ 3 = 216,742.6667

If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 216,742.6667 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 2 325,114 650,228
-1 -2 -325,114 -650,228

Let's try dividing by 4:

650,228 ÷ 4 = 162,557

If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 162,557 are factors. In this case, the quotient is a whole number. Write them in the table inside the other two factors like the below example. Don't forget to write the negative numbers too!

Here is what our table should look like at this step:

1 2 4 162,557 325,114 650,228
-1 -2 -4 -162,557 -325,114 650,228
Keep dividing by the next highest number until you cannot divide anymore.

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

124162,557325,114650,228
-1-2-4-162,557-325,114-650,228

More Examples

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