Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 872,063?
A:
Positive:
1 x 872063211 x 4133
Negative:
-1 x -872063-211 x -4133
A:
Positive:
1 x 872063211 x 4133
Negative:
-1 x -872063-211 x -4133
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 872,063, 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 | 872,063 | |
-1 | -872,063 |
When you multiply two negative numbers together, you get a positive number. That means both the positive and negative numbers are factors of 872,063.
Example:
1 x 872,063 = 872,063
and
-1 x -872,063 = 872,063
Notice both answers equal 872,063
With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 872,063 and divide it by 2:
872,063 ÷ 2 = 436,031.5
If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 436,031.5 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 | 872,063 | |
-1 | -872,063 |
Now, we try dividing 872,063 by 3:
872,063 ÷ 3 = 290,687.6667
If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 290,687.6667 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 | 872,063 | |
-1 | -872,063 |
Let's try dividing by 4:
872,063 ÷ 4 = 218,015.75
If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 218,015.75 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 | 872,063 | |
-1 | 872,063 |
If you did it right, you will end up with this table:
1 | 211 | 4,133 | 872,063 |
-1 | -211 | -4,133 | -872,063 |
Here are some more numbers to try:
Try the factor calculator