Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 863,705?
A:
Positive:
1 x 8637055 x 172741
Negative:
-1 x -863705-5 x -172741
A:
Positive:
1 x 8637055 x 172741
Negative:
-1 x -863705-5 x -172741
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 863,705, 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 | 863,705 | |
-1 | -863,705 |
When you multiply two negative numbers together, you get a positive number. That means both the positive and negative numbers are factors of 863,705.
Example:
1 x 863,705 = 863,705
and
-1 x -863,705 = 863,705
Notice both answers equal 863,705
With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 863,705 and divide it by 2:
863,705 ÷ 2 = 431,852.5
If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 431,852.5 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 | 863,705 | |
-1 | -863,705 |
Now, we try dividing 863,705 by 3:
863,705 ÷ 3 = 287,901.6667
If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 287,901.6667 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 | 863,705 | |
-1 | -863,705 |
Let's try dividing by 4:
863,705 ÷ 4 = 215,926.25
If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 215,926.25 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 | 863,705 | |
-1 | 863,705 |
If you did it right, you will end up with this table:
1 | 5 | 172,741 | 863,705 |
-1 | -5 | -172,741 | -863,705 |
Here are some more numbers to try:
Try the factor calculator