Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 659,533?
A:
Positive:
1 x 6595337 x 94219
Negative:
-1 x -659533-7 x -94219
A:
Positive:
1 x 6595337 x 94219
Negative:
-1 x -659533-7 x -94219
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 659,533, 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 | 659,533 | |
-1 | -659,533 |
When you multiply two negative numbers together, you get a positive number. That means both the positive and negative numbers are factors of 659,533.
Example:
1 x 659,533 = 659,533
and
-1 x -659,533 = 659,533
Notice both answers equal 659,533
With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 659,533 and divide it by 2:
659,533 ÷ 2 = 329,766.5
If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 329,766.5 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 | 659,533 | |
-1 | -659,533 |
Now, we try dividing 659,533 by 3:
659,533 ÷ 3 = 219,844.3333
If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 219,844.3333 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 | 659,533 | |
-1 | -659,533 |
Let's try dividing by 4:
659,533 ÷ 4 = 164,883.25
If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 164,883.25 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 | 659,533 | |
-1 | 659,533 |
If you did it right, you will end up with this table:
1 | 7 | 94,219 | 659,533 |
-1 | -7 | -94,219 | -659,533 |
Here are some more numbers to try:
Try the factor calculator