Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 901,597?
A:
Positive:
1 x 901597137 x 6581
Negative:
-1 x -901597-137 x -6581
A:
Positive:
1 x 901597137 x 6581
Negative:
-1 x -901597-137 x -6581
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 901,597, 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 | 901,597 | |
-1 | -901,597 |
When you multiply two negative numbers together, you get a positive number. That means both the positive and negative numbers are factors of 901,597.
Example:
1 x 901,597 = 901,597
and
-1 x -901,597 = 901,597
Notice both answers equal 901,597
With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 901,597 and divide it by 2:
901,597 ÷ 2 = 450,798.5
If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 450,798.5 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 | 901,597 | |
-1 | -901,597 |
Now, we try dividing 901,597 by 3:
901,597 ÷ 3 = 300,532.3333
If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 300,532.3333 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 | 901,597 | |
-1 | -901,597 |
Let's try dividing by 4:
901,597 ÷ 4 = 225,399.25
If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 225,399.25 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 | 901,597 | |
-1 | 901,597 |
If you did it right, you will end up with this table:
1 | 137 | 6,581 | 901,597 |
-1 | -137 | -6,581 | -901,597 |
Here are some more numbers to try:
Try the factor calculator