Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 873,599?

 A:
Positive:   1 x 87359953 x 16483311 x 2809
Negative: -1 x -873599-53 x -16483-311 x -2809


How do I find the factor combinations of the number 873,599?

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 873,599, 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.

1 873,599
-1 -873,599

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 873,599.

Example:
1 x 873,599 = 873,599
and
-1 x -873,599 = 873,599
Notice both answers equal 873,599

With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 873,599 and divide it by 2:

873,599 ÷ 2 = 436,799.5

If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 436,799.5 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:

1 873,599
-1 -873,599

Now, we try dividing 873,599 by 3:

873,599 ÷ 3 = 291,199.6667

If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 291,199.6667 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:

1 873,599
-1 -873,599

Let's try dividing by 4:

873,599 ÷ 4 = 218,399.75

If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 218,399.75 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:

1 873,599
-1 873,599
Keep dividing by the next highest number until you cannot divide anymore.

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

1533112,80916,483873,599
-1-53-311-2,809-16,483-873,599

More Examples

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