Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 858,617?
A:
Positive:
1 x 858617787 x 1091
Negative:
-1 x -858617-787 x -1091
A:
Positive:
1 x 858617787 x 1091
Negative:
-1 x -858617-787 x -1091
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 858,617, 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 | 858,617 | |
-1 | -858,617 |
When you multiply two negative numbers together, you get a positive number. That means both the positive and negative numbers are factors of 858,617.
Example:
1 x 858,617 = 858,617
and
-1 x -858,617 = 858,617
Notice both answers equal 858,617
With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 858,617 and divide it by 2:
858,617 ÷ 2 = 429,308.5
If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 429,308.5 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 | 858,617 | |
-1 | -858,617 |
Now, we try dividing 858,617 by 3:
858,617 ÷ 3 = 286,205.6667
If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 286,205.6667 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 | 858,617 | |
-1 | -858,617 |
Let's try dividing by 4:
858,617 ÷ 4 = 214,654.25
If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 214,654.25 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 | 858,617 | |
-1 | 858,617 |
If you did it right, you will end up with this table:
1 | 787 | 1,091 | 858,617 |
-1 | -787 | -1,091 | -858,617 |
Here are some more numbers to try:
Try the factor calculator