Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 6,502,381?

 A:
Positive:   1 x 650238117 x 382493
Negative: -1 x -6502381-17 x -382493


How do I find the factor combinations of the number 6,502,381?

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 6,502,381, 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 6,502,381
-1 -6,502,381

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 6,502,381.

Example:
1 x 6,502,381 = 6,502,381
and
-1 x -6,502,381 = 6,502,381
Notice both answers equal 6,502,381

With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 6,502,381 and divide it by 2:

6,502,381 ÷ 2 = 3,251,190.5

If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 3,251,190.5 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 6,502,381
-1 -6,502,381

Now, we try dividing 6,502,381 by 3:

6,502,381 ÷ 3 = 2,167,460.3333

If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 2,167,460.3333 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 6,502,381
-1 -6,502,381

Let's try dividing by 4:

6,502,381 ÷ 4 = 1,625,595.25

If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 1,625,595.25 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 6,502,381
-1 6,502,381
Keep dividing by the next highest number until you cannot divide anymore.

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

117382,4936,502,381
-1-17-382,493-6,502,381

More Examples

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