Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 867,599?
A:
Positive:
1 x 86759983 x 10453
Negative:
-1 x -867599-83 x -10453
A:
Positive:
1 x 86759983 x 10453
Negative:
-1 x -867599-83 x -10453
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 867,599, 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 | 867,599 | |
-1 | -867,599 |
When you multiply two negative numbers together, you get a positive number. That means both the positive and negative numbers are factors of 867,599.
Example:
1 x 867,599 = 867,599
and
-1 x -867,599 = 867,599
Notice both answers equal 867,599
With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 867,599 and divide it by 2:
867,599 ÷ 2 = 433,799.5
If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 433,799.5 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 | 867,599 | |
-1 | -867,599 |
Now, we try dividing 867,599 by 3:
867,599 ÷ 3 = 289,199.6667
If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 289,199.6667 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 | 867,599 | |
-1 | -867,599 |
Let's try dividing by 4:
867,599 ÷ 4 = 216,899.75
If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 216,899.75 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 | 867,599 | |
-1 | 867,599 |
If you did it right, you will end up with this table:
1 | 83 | 10,453 | 867,599 |
-1 | -83 | -10,453 | -867,599 |
Here are some more numbers to try:
Try the factor calculator