Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 878,531?
A:
Positive:
1 x 87853123 x 38197
Negative:
-1 x -878531-23 x -38197
A:
Positive:
1 x 87853123 x 38197
Negative:
-1 x -878531-23 x -38197
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 878,531, 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 | 878,531 | |
-1 | -878,531 |
When you multiply two negative numbers together, you get a positive number. That means both the positive and negative numbers are factors of 878,531.
Example:
1 x 878,531 = 878,531
and
-1 x -878,531 = 878,531
Notice both answers equal 878,531
With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 878,531 and divide it by 2:
878,531 ÷ 2 = 439,265.5
If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 439,265.5 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 | 878,531 | |
-1 | -878,531 |
Now, we try dividing 878,531 by 3:
878,531 ÷ 3 = 292,843.6667
If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 292,843.6667 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 | 878,531 | |
-1 | -878,531 |
Let's try dividing by 4:
878,531 ÷ 4 = 219,632.75
If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 219,632.75 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 | 878,531 | |
-1 | 878,531 |
If you did it right, you will end up with this table:
1 | 23 | 38,197 | 878,531 |
-1 | -23 | -38,197 | -878,531 |
Here are some more numbers to try:
Try the factor calculator