Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 872,527?
A:
Positive:
1 x 872527389 x 2243
Negative:
-1 x -872527-389 x -2243
A:
Positive:
1 x 872527389 x 2243
Negative:
-1 x -872527-389 x -2243
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 872,527, 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 | 872,527 | |
-1 | -872,527 |
When you multiply two negative numbers together, you get a positive number. That means both the positive and negative numbers are factors of 872,527.
Example:
1 x 872,527 = 872,527
and
-1 x -872,527 = 872,527
Notice both answers equal 872,527
With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 872,527 and divide it by 2:
872,527 ÷ 2 = 436,263.5
If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 436,263.5 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 | 872,527 | |
-1 | -872,527 |
Now, we try dividing 872,527 by 3:
872,527 ÷ 3 = 290,842.3333
If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 290,842.3333 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 | 872,527 | |
-1 | -872,527 |
Let's try dividing by 4:
872,527 ÷ 4 = 218,131.75
If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 218,131.75 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 | 872,527 | |
-1 | 872,527 |
If you did it right, you will end up with this table:
1 | 389 | 2,243 | 872,527 |
-1 | -389 | -2,243 | -872,527 |
Here are some more numbers to try:
Try the factor calculator