Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 690,868?

 A:
Positive:   1 x 6908682 x 3454344 x 172717
Negative: -1 x -690868-2 x -345434-4 x -172717


How do I find the factor combinations of the number 690,868?

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 690,868, 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.

1 690,868
-1 -690,868

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 690,868.

Example:
1 x 690,868 = 690,868
and
-1 x -690,868 = 690,868
Notice both answers equal 690,868

With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 690,868 and divide it by 2:

690,868 ÷ 2 = 345,434

If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 345,434 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:

1 2 345,434 690,868
-1 -2 -345,434 -690,868

Now, we try dividing 690,868 by 3:

690,868 ÷ 3 = 230,289.3333

If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 230,289.3333 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 2 345,434 690,868
-1 -2 -345,434 -690,868

Let's try dividing by 4:

690,868 ÷ 4 = 172,717

If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 172,717 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:

1 2 4 172,717 345,434 690,868
-1 -2 -4 -172,717 -345,434 690,868
Keep dividing by the next highest number until you cannot divide anymore.

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

124172,717345,434690,868
-1-2-4-172,717-345,434-690,868

More Examples

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