Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 815,983?

 A:
Positive:   1 x 8159837 x 11656917 x 47999119 x 6857
Negative: -1 x -815983-7 x -116569-17 x -47999-119 x -6857


How do I find the factor combinations of the number 815,983?

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 815,983, 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.

1 815,983
-1 -815,983

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 815,983.

Example:
1 x 815,983 = 815,983
and
-1 x -815,983 = 815,983
Notice both answers equal 815,983

With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 815,983 and divide it by 2:

815,983 ÷ 2 = 407,991.5

If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 407,991.5 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:

1 815,983
-1 -815,983

Now, we try dividing 815,983 by 3:

815,983 ÷ 3 = 271,994.3333

If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 271,994.3333 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:

1 815,983
-1 -815,983

Let's try dividing by 4:

815,983 ÷ 4 = 203,995.75

If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 203,995.75 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:

1 815,983
-1 815,983
Keep dividing by the next highest number until you cannot divide anymore.

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

17171196,85747,999116,569815,983
-1-7-17-119-6,857-47,999-116,569-815,983

More Examples

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