Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 678,955?

 A:
Positive:   1 x 6789555 x 135791251 x 2705541 x 1255
Negative: -1 x -678955-5 x -135791-251 x -2705-541 x -1255


How do I find the factor combinations of the number 678,955?

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 678,955, 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.

1 678,955
-1 -678,955

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 678,955.

Example:
1 x 678,955 = 678,955
and
-1 x -678,955 = 678,955
Notice both answers equal 678,955

With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 678,955 and divide it by 2:

678,955 ÷ 2 = 339,477.5

If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 339,477.5 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:

1 678,955
-1 -678,955

Now, we try dividing 678,955 by 3:

678,955 ÷ 3 = 226,318.3333

If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 226,318.3333 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:

1 678,955
-1 -678,955

Let's try dividing by 4:

678,955 ÷ 4 = 169,738.75

If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 169,738.75 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:

1 678,955
-1 678,955
Keep dividing by the next highest number until you cannot divide anymore.

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

152515411,2552,705135,791678,955
-1-5-251-541-1,255-2,705-135,791-678,955

More Examples

Here are some more numbers to try:

Try the factor calculator

Explore more about the number 678,955:


Ask a Question