Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 981,251?
A:
Positive:
1 x 981251659 x 1489
Negative:
-1 x -981251-659 x -1489
A:
Positive:
1 x 981251659 x 1489
Negative:
-1 x -981251-659 x -1489
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 981,251, 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 | 981,251 | |
-1 | -981,251 |
When you multiply two negative numbers together, you get a positive number. That means both the positive and negative numbers are factors of 981,251.
Example:
1 x 981,251 = 981,251
and
-1 x -981,251 = 981,251
Notice both answers equal 981,251
With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 981,251 and divide it by 2:
981,251 ÷ 2 = 490,625.5
If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 490,625.5 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 | 981,251 | |
-1 | -981,251 |
Now, we try dividing 981,251 by 3:
981,251 ÷ 3 = 327,083.6667
If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 327,083.6667 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 | 981,251 | |
-1 | -981,251 |
Let's try dividing by 4:
981,251 ÷ 4 = 245,312.75
If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 245,312.75 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 | 981,251 | |
-1 | 981,251 |
If you did it right, you will end up with this table:
1 | 659 | 1,489 | 981,251 |
-1 | -659 | -1,489 | -981,251 |
Here are some more numbers to try:
Try the factor calculator