Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 899,999?
A:
Positive:
1 x 899999397 x 2267
Negative:
-1 x -899999-397 x -2267
A:
Positive:
1 x 899999397 x 2267
Negative:
-1 x -899999-397 x -2267
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 899,999, 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 | 899,999 | |
-1 | -899,999 |
When you multiply two negative numbers together, you get a positive number. That means both the positive and negative numbers are factors of 899,999.
Example:
1 x 899,999 = 899,999
and
-1 x -899,999 = 899,999
Notice both answers equal 899,999
With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 899,999 and divide it by 2:
899,999 ÷ 2 = 449,999.5
If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 449,999.5 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 | 899,999 | |
-1 | -899,999 |
Now, we try dividing 899,999 by 3:
899,999 ÷ 3 = 299,999.6667
If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 299,999.6667 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 | 899,999 | |
-1 | -899,999 |
Let's try dividing by 4:
899,999 ÷ 4 = 224,999.75
If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 224,999.75 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 | 899,999 | |
-1 | 899,999 |
If you did it right, you will end up with this table:
1 | 397 | 2,267 | 899,999 |
-1 | -397 | -2,267 | -899,999 |
Here are some more numbers to try:
Try the factor calculator