Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 831,859?

 A:
Positive:   1 x 8318597 x 118837151 x 5509787 x 1057
Negative: -1 x -831859-7 x -118837-151 x -5509-787 x -1057


How do I find the factor combinations of the number 831,859?

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 831,859, 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.

1 831,859
-1 -831,859

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 831,859.

Example:
1 x 831,859 = 831,859
and
-1 x -831,859 = 831,859
Notice both answers equal 831,859

With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 831,859 and divide it by 2:

831,859 ÷ 2 = 415,929.5

If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 415,929.5 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:

1 831,859
-1 -831,859

Now, we try dividing 831,859 by 3:

831,859 ÷ 3 = 277,286.3333

If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 277,286.3333 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:

1 831,859
-1 -831,859

Let's try dividing by 4:

831,859 ÷ 4 = 207,964.75

If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 207,964.75 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:

1 831,859
-1 831,859
Keep dividing by the next highest number until you cannot divide anymore.

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

171517871,0575,509118,837831,859
-1-7-151-787-1,057-5,509-118,837-831,859

More Examples

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