Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 857,699?
A:
Positive:
1 x 85769953 x 16183
Negative:
-1 x -857699-53 x -16183
A:
Positive:
1 x 85769953 x 16183
Negative:
-1 x -857699-53 x -16183
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 857,699, 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 | 857,699 | |
-1 | -857,699 |
When you multiply two negative numbers together, you get a positive number. That means both the positive and negative numbers are factors of 857,699.
Example:
1 x 857,699 = 857,699
and
-1 x -857,699 = 857,699
Notice both answers equal 857,699
With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 857,699 and divide it by 2:
857,699 ÷ 2 = 428,849.5
If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 428,849.5 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 | 857,699 | |
-1 | -857,699 |
Now, we try dividing 857,699 by 3:
857,699 ÷ 3 = 285,899.6667
If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 285,899.6667 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 | 857,699 | |
-1 | -857,699 |
Let's try dividing by 4:
857,699 ÷ 4 = 214,424.75
If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 214,424.75 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 | 857,699 | |
-1 | 857,699 |
If you did it right, you will end up with this table:
1 | 53 | 16,183 | 857,699 |
-1 | -53 | -16,183 | -857,699 |
Here are some more numbers to try:
Try the factor calculator