Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 979,679?
A:
Positive:
1 x 97967979 x 12401
Negative:
-1 x -979679-79 x -12401
A:
Positive:
1 x 97967979 x 12401
Negative:
-1 x -979679-79 x -12401
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 979,679, 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 | 979,679 | |
-1 | -979,679 |
When you multiply two negative numbers together, you get a positive number. That means both the positive and negative numbers are factors of 979,679.
Example:
1 x 979,679 = 979,679
and
-1 x -979,679 = 979,679
Notice both answers equal 979,679
With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 979,679 and divide it by 2:
979,679 ÷ 2 = 489,839.5
If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 489,839.5 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 | 979,679 | |
-1 | -979,679 |
Now, we try dividing 979,679 by 3:
979,679 ÷ 3 = 326,559.6667
If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 326,559.6667 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 | 979,679 | |
-1 | -979,679 |
Let's try dividing by 4:
979,679 ÷ 4 = 244,919.75
If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 244,919.75 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 | 979,679 | |
-1 | 979,679 |
If you did it right, you will end up with this table:
1 | 79 | 12,401 | 979,679 |
-1 | -79 | -12,401 | -979,679 |
Here are some more numbers to try:
Try the factor calculator