Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 855,515,623?

 A:
Positive:   1 x 8555156231153 x 741991
Negative: -1 x -855515623-1153 x -741991


How do I find the factor combinations of the number 855,515,623?

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 855,515,623, 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.

1 855,515,623
-1 -855,515,623

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 855,515,623.

Example:
1 x 855,515,623 = 855,515,623
and
-1 x -855,515,623 = 855,515,623
Notice both answers equal 855,515,623

With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 855,515,623 and divide it by 2:

855,515,623 ÷ 2 = 427,757,811.5

If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 427,757,811.5 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:

1 855,515,623
-1 -855,515,623

Now, we try dividing 855,515,623 by 3:

855,515,623 ÷ 3 = 285,171,874.3333

If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 285,171,874.3333 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:

1 855,515,623
-1 -855,515,623

Let's try dividing by 4:

855,515,623 ÷ 4 = 213,878,905.75

If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 213,878,905.75 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:

1 855,515,623
-1 855,515,623
Keep dividing by the next highest number until you cannot divide anymore.

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

11,153741,991855,515,623
-1-1,153-741,991-855,515,623

More Examples

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