Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 987,653?

 A:
Positive:   1 x 98765329 x 34057
Negative: -1 x -987653-29 x -34057


How do I find the factor combinations of the number 987,653?

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 987,653, 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.

1 987,653
-1 -987,653

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 987,653.

Example:
1 x 987,653 = 987,653
and
-1 x -987,653 = 987,653
Notice both answers equal 987,653

With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 987,653 and divide it by 2:

987,653 ÷ 2 = 493,826.5

If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 493,826.5 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:

1 987,653
-1 -987,653

Now, we try dividing 987,653 by 3:

987,653 ÷ 3 = 329,217.6667

If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 329,217.6667 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:

1 987,653
-1 -987,653

Let's try dividing by 4:

987,653 ÷ 4 = 246,913.25

If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 246,913.25 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:

1 987,653
-1 987,653
Keep dividing by the next highest number until you cannot divide anymore.

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

12934,057987,653
-1-29-34,057-987,653

More Examples

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