Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 688,913?

 A:
Positive:   1 x 68891331 x 2222371 x 9703313 x 2201
Negative: -1 x -688913-31 x -22223-71 x -9703-313 x -2201


How do I find the factor combinations of the number 688,913?

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 688,913, 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.

1 688,913
-1 -688,913

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 688,913.

Example:
1 x 688,913 = 688,913
and
-1 x -688,913 = 688,913
Notice both answers equal 688,913

With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 688,913 and divide it by 2:

688,913 ÷ 2 = 344,456.5

If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 344,456.5 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:

1 688,913
-1 -688,913

Now, we try dividing 688,913 by 3:

688,913 ÷ 3 = 229,637.6667

If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 229,637.6667 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:

1 688,913
-1 -688,913

Let's try dividing by 4:

688,913 ÷ 4 = 172,228.25

If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 172,228.25 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:

1 688,913
-1 688,913
Keep dividing by the next highest number until you cannot divide anymore.

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

131713132,2019,70322,223688,913
-1-31-71-313-2,201-9,703-22,223-688,913

More Examples

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