Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 958,873?

 A:
Positive:   1 x 95887319 x 50467109 x 8797463 x 2071
Negative: -1 x -958873-19 x -50467-109 x -8797-463 x -2071


How do I find the factor combinations of the number 958,873?

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 958,873, 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.

1 958,873
-1 -958,873

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 958,873.

Example:
1 x 958,873 = 958,873
and
-1 x -958,873 = 958,873
Notice both answers equal 958,873

With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 958,873 and divide it by 2:

958,873 ÷ 2 = 479,436.5

If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 479,436.5 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:

1 958,873
-1 -958,873

Now, we try dividing 958,873 by 3:

958,873 ÷ 3 = 319,624.3333

If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 319,624.3333 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:

1 958,873
-1 -958,873

Let's try dividing by 4:

958,873 ÷ 4 = 239,718.25

If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 239,718.25 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:

1 958,873
-1 958,873
Keep dividing by the next highest number until you cannot divide anymore.

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

1191094632,0718,79750,467958,873
-1-19-109-463-2,071-8,797-50,467-958,873

More Examples

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