Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 686,965?
A:
Positive:
1 x 6869655 x 137393
Negative:
-1 x -686965-5 x -137393
A:
Positive:
1 x 6869655 x 137393
Negative:
-1 x -686965-5 x -137393
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 686,965, 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 | 686,965 | |
-1 | -686,965 |
When you multiply two negative numbers together, you get a positive number. That means both the positive and negative numbers are factors of 686,965.
Example:
1 x 686,965 = 686,965
and
-1 x -686,965 = 686,965
Notice both answers equal 686,965
With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 686,965 and divide it by 2:
686,965 ÷ 2 = 343,482.5
If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 343,482.5 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 | 686,965 | |
-1 | -686,965 |
Now, we try dividing 686,965 by 3:
686,965 ÷ 3 = 228,988.3333
If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 228,988.3333 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 | 686,965 | |
-1 | -686,965 |
Let's try dividing by 4:
686,965 ÷ 4 = 171,741.25
If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 171,741.25 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 | 686,965 | |
-1 | 686,965 |
If you did it right, you will end up with this table:
1 | 5 | 137,393 | 686,965 |
-1 | -5 | -137,393 | -686,965 |
Here are some more numbers to try:
Try the factor calculator