Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 857,537?
A:
Positive:
1 x 857537383 x 2239
Negative:
-1 x -857537-383 x -2239
A:
Positive:
1 x 857537383 x 2239
Negative:
-1 x -857537-383 x -2239
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 857,537, 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 | 857,537 | |
-1 | -857,537 |
When you multiply two negative numbers together, you get a positive number. That means both the positive and negative numbers are factors of 857,537.
Example:
1 x 857,537 = 857,537
and
-1 x -857,537 = 857,537
Notice both answers equal 857,537
With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 857,537 and divide it by 2:
857,537 ÷ 2 = 428,768.5
If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 428,768.5 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 | 857,537 | |
-1 | -857,537 |
Now, we try dividing 857,537 by 3:
857,537 ÷ 3 = 285,845.6667
If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 285,845.6667 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 | 857,537 | |
-1 | -857,537 |
Let's try dividing by 4:
857,537 ÷ 4 = 214,384.25
If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 214,384.25 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 | 857,537 | |
-1 | 857,537 |
If you did it right, you will end up with this table:
1 | 383 | 2,239 | 857,537 |
-1 | -383 | -2,239 | -857,537 |
Here are some more numbers to try:
Try the factor calculator