Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 870,979?

 A:
Positive:   1 x 87097919 x 45841
Negative: -1 x -870979-19 x -45841


How do I find the factor combinations of the number 870,979?

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 870,979, it is easier to work with a table - it's called factoring from the outside in.

Outside in Factoring

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.

1 870,979
-1 -870,979

Why are the negative numbers included?

When you multiply two negative numbers together, you get a positive number. That means both the positive and negative numbers are factors of 870,979.

Example:
1 x 870,979 = 870,979
and
-1 x -870,979 = 870,979
Notice both answers equal 870,979

With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 870,979 and divide it by 2:

870,979 ÷ 2 = 435,489.5

If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 435,489.5 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:

1 870,979
-1 -870,979

Now, we try dividing 870,979 by 3:

870,979 ÷ 3 = 290,326.3333

If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 290,326.3333 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:

1 870,979
-1 -870,979

Let's try dividing by 4:

870,979 ÷ 4 = 217,744.75

If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 217,744.75 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:

1 870,979
-1 870,979
Keep dividing by the next highest number until you cannot divide anymore.

If you did it right, you will end up with this table:

11945,841870,979
-1-19-45,841-870,979

More Examples

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