Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 661,837?
A:
Positive:
1 x 66183711 x 60167
Negative:
-1 x -661837-11 x -60167
A:
Positive:
1 x 66183711 x 60167
Negative:
-1 x -661837-11 x -60167
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 661,837, 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 | 661,837 | |
-1 | -661,837 |
When you multiply two negative numbers together, you get a positive number. That means both the positive and negative numbers are factors of 661,837.
Example:
1 x 661,837 = 661,837
and
-1 x -661,837 = 661,837
Notice both answers equal 661,837
With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 661,837 and divide it by 2:
661,837 ÷ 2 = 330,918.5
If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 330,918.5 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 | 661,837 | |
-1 | -661,837 |
Now, we try dividing 661,837 by 3:
661,837 ÷ 3 = 220,612.3333
If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 220,612.3333 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 | 661,837 | |
-1 | -661,837 |
Let's try dividing by 4:
661,837 ÷ 4 = 165,459.25
If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 165,459.25 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 | 661,837 | |
-1 | 661,837 |
If you did it right, you will end up with this table:
1 | 11 | 60,167 | 661,837 |
-1 | -11 | -60,167 | -661,837 |
Here are some more numbers to try:
Try the factor calculator