Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 658,343?

 A:
Positive:   1 x 6583437 x 94049
Negative: -1 x -658343-7 x -94049


How do I find the factor combinations of the number 658,343?

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 658,343, 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.

1 658,343
-1 -658,343

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 658,343.

Example:
1 x 658,343 = 658,343
and
-1 x -658,343 = 658,343
Notice both answers equal 658,343

With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 658,343 and divide it by 2:

658,343 ÷ 2 = 329,171.5

If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 329,171.5 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:

1 658,343
-1 -658,343

Now, we try dividing 658,343 by 3:

658,343 ÷ 3 = 219,447.6667

If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 219,447.6667 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:

1 658,343
-1 -658,343

Let's try dividing by 4:

658,343 ÷ 4 = 164,585.75

If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 164,585.75 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:

1 658,343
-1 658,343
Keep dividing by the next highest number until you cannot divide anymore.

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

1794,049658,343
-1-7-94,049-658,343

More Examples

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