Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 689,941?
A:
Positive:
1 x 6899417 x 98563
Negative:
-1 x -689941-7 x -98563
A:
Positive:
1 x 6899417 x 98563
Negative:
-1 x -689941-7 x -98563
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 689,941, 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 | 689,941 | |
-1 | -689,941 |
When you multiply two negative numbers together, you get a positive number. That means both the positive and negative numbers are factors of 689,941.
Example:
1 x 689,941 = 689,941
and
-1 x -689,941 = 689,941
Notice both answers equal 689,941
With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 689,941 and divide it by 2:
689,941 ÷ 2 = 344,970.5
If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 344,970.5 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 | 689,941 | |
-1 | -689,941 |
Now, we try dividing 689,941 by 3:
689,941 ÷ 3 = 229,980.3333
If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 229,980.3333 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 | 689,941 | |
-1 | -689,941 |
Let's try dividing by 4:
689,941 ÷ 4 = 172,485.25
If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 172,485.25 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 | 689,941 | |
-1 | 689,941 |
If you did it right, you will end up with this table:
1 | 7 | 98,563 | 689,941 |
-1 | -7 | -98,563 | -689,941 |
Here are some more numbers to try:
Try the factor calculator