Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 889,085?

 A:
Positive:   1 x 8890855 x 17781741 x 21685205 x 4337
Negative: -1 x -889085-5 x -177817-41 x -21685-205 x -4337


How do I find the factor combinations of the number 889,085?

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 889,085, 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.

1 889,085
-1 -889,085

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 889,085.

Example:
1 x 889,085 = 889,085
and
-1 x -889,085 = 889,085
Notice both answers equal 889,085

With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 889,085 and divide it by 2:

889,085 ÷ 2 = 444,542.5

If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 444,542.5 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:

1 889,085
-1 -889,085

Now, we try dividing 889,085 by 3:

889,085 ÷ 3 = 296,361.6667

If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 296,361.6667 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:

1 889,085
-1 -889,085

Let's try dividing by 4:

889,085 ÷ 4 = 222,271.25

If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 222,271.25 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:

1 889,085
-1 889,085
Keep dividing by the next highest number until you cannot divide anymore.

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

15412054,33721,685177,817889,085
-1-5-41-205-4,337-21,685-177,817-889,085

More Examples

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