Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 885,617?
A:
Positive:
1 x 885617541 x 1637
Negative:
-1 x -885617-541 x -1637
A:
Positive:
1 x 885617541 x 1637
Negative:
-1 x -885617-541 x -1637
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 885,617, 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 | 885,617 | |
-1 | -885,617 |
When you multiply two negative numbers together, you get a positive number. That means both the positive and negative numbers are factors of 885,617.
Example:
1 x 885,617 = 885,617
and
-1 x -885,617 = 885,617
Notice both answers equal 885,617
With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 885,617 and divide it by 2:
885,617 ÷ 2 = 442,808.5
If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 442,808.5 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 | 885,617 | |
-1 | -885,617 |
Now, we try dividing 885,617 by 3:
885,617 ÷ 3 = 295,205.6667
If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 295,205.6667 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 | 885,617 | |
-1 | -885,617 |
Let's try dividing by 4:
885,617 ÷ 4 = 221,404.25
If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 221,404.25 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 | 885,617 | |
-1 | 885,617 |
If you did it right, you will end up with this table:
1 | 541 | 1,637 | 885,617 |
-1 | -541 | -1,637 | -885,617 |
Here are some more numbers to try:
Try the factor calculator