Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 879,677?
A:
Positive:
1 x 879677137 x 6421
Negative:
-1 x -879677-137 x -6421
A:
Positive:
1 x 879677137 x 6421
Negative:
-1 x -879677-137 x -6421
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 879,677, 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 | 879,677 | |
-1 | -879,677 |
When you multiply two negative numbers together, you get a positive number. That means both the positive and negative numbers are factors of 879,677.
Example:
1 x 879,677 = 879,677
and
-1 x -879,677 = 879,677
Notice both answers equal 879,677
With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 879,677 and divide it by 2:
879,677 ÷ 2 = 439,838.5
If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 439,838.5 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 | 879,677 | |
-1 | -879,677 |
Now, we try dividing 879,677 by 3:
879,677 ÷ 3 = 293,225.6667
If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 293,225.6667 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 | 879,677 | |
-1 | -879,677 |
Let's try dividing by 4:
879,677 ÷ 4 = 219,919.25
If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 219,919.25 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 | 879,677 | |
-1 | 879,677 |
If you did it right, you will end up with this table:
1 | 137 | 6,421 | 879,677 |
-1 | -137 | -6,421 | -879,677 |
Here are some more numbers to try:
Try the factor calculator