How do I find the factor combinations of the number 687,498?
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 687,498, 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.
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 687,498.
Example:
1 x 687,498 = 687,498
and
-1 x -687,498 = 687,498
Notice both answers equal 687,498
With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 687,498 and divide it by 2:
687,498 ÷ 2 = 343,749
If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 343,749 are factors. In this case, the quotient is a whole number. Write them in the table inside the other two factors like the below example. Don't forget to write the negative numbers too!
Here is what our table should look like at this step:
Now, we try dividing 687,498 by 3:
687,498 ÷ 3 = 229,166
If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 229,166 are factors. In this case, the quotient is a whole number. Write them in the table inside the other two factors like the below example. Don't forget to write the negative numbers too!
Here is what our table should look like at this step:
Let's try dividing by 4:
687,498 ÷ 4 = 171,874.5
If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 171,874.5 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:
Keep dividing by the next highest number until you cannot divide anymore.
If you did it right, you will end up with this table:
More Examples
Here are some more numbers to try:
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