Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 969,983?

 A:
Positive:   1 x 9699837 x 138569
Negative: -1 x -969983-7 x -138569


How do I find the factor combinations of the number 969,983?

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 969,983, 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.

1 969,983
-1 -969,983

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 969,983.

Example:
1 x 969,983 = 969,983
and
-1 x -969,983 = 969,983
Notice both answers equal 969,983

With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 969,983 and divide it by 2:

969,983 ÷ 2 = 484,991.5

If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 484,991.5 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:

1 969,983
-1 -969,983

Now, we try dividing 969,983 by 3:

969,983 ÷ 3 = 323,327.6667

If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 323,327.6667 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:

1 969,983
-1 -969,983

Let's try dividing by 4:

969,983 ÷ 4 = 242,495.75

If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 242,495.75 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:

1 969,983
-1 969,983
Keep dividing by the next highest number until you cannot divide anymore.

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

17138,569969,983
-1-7-138,569-969,983

More Examples

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