Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 917,599?
A:
Positive:
1 x 917599431 x 2129
Negative:
-1 x -917599-431 x -2129
A:
Positive:
1 x 917599431 x 2129
Negative:
-1 x -917599-431 x -2129
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 917,599, 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 | 917,599 | |
-1 | -917,599 |
When you multiply two negative numbers together, you get a positive number. That means both the positive and negative numbers are factors of 917,599.
Example:
1 x 917,599 = 917,599
and
-1 x -917,599 = 917,599
Notice both answers equal 917,599
With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 917,599 and divide it by 2:
917,599 ÷ 2 = 458,799.5
If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 458,799.5 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 | 917,599 | |
-1 | -917,599 |
Now, we try dividing 917,599 by 3:
917,599 ÷ 3 = 305,866.3333
If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 305,866.3333 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 | 917,599 | |
-1 | -917,599 |
Let's try dividing by 4:
917,599 ÷ 4 = 229,399.75
If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 229,399.75 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 | 917,599 | |
-1 | 917,599 |
If you did it right, you will end up with this table:
1 | 431 | 2,129 | 917,599 |
-1 | -431 | -2,129 | -917,599 |
Here are some more numbers to try:
Try the factor calculator