Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 988,883?

 A:
Positive:   1 x 9888837 x 141269
Negative: -1 x -988883-7 x -141269


How do I find the factor combinations of the number 988,883?

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 988,883, 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.

1 988,883
-1 -988,883

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 988,883.

Example:
1 x 988,883 = 988,883
and
-1 x -988,883 = 988,883
Notice both answers equal 988,883

With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 988,883 and divide it by 2:

988,883 ÷ 2 = 494,441.5

If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 494,441.5 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:

1 988,883
-1 -988,883

Now, we try dividing 988,883 by 3:

988,883 ÷ 3 = 329,627.6667

If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 329,627.6667 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:

1 988,883
-1 -988,883

Let's try dividing by 4:

988,883 ÷ 4 = 247,220.75

If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 247,220.75 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:

1 988,883
-1 988,883
Keep dividing by the next highest number until you cannot divide anymore.

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

17141,269988,883
-1-7-141,269-988,883

More Examples

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