Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 518,725?

 A:
Positive:   1 x 5187255 x 10374525 x 20749
Negative: -1 x -518725-5 x -103745-25 x -20749


How do I find the factor combinations of the number 518,725?

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 518,725, 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.

1 518,725
-1 -518,725

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 518,725.

Example:
1 x 518,725 = 518,725
and
-1 x -518,725 = 518,725
Notice both answers equal 518,725

With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 518,725 and divide it by 2:

518,725 ÷ 2 = 259,362.5

If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 259,362.5 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:

1 518,725
-1 -518,725

Now, we try dividing 518,725 by 3:

518,725 ÷ 3 = 172,908.3333

If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 172,908.3333 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:

1 518,725
-1 -518,725

Let's try dividing by 4:

518,725 ÷ 4 = 129,681.25

If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 129,681.25 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:

1 518,725
-1 518,725
Keep dividing by the next highest number until you cannot divide anymore.

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

152520,749103,745518,725
-1-5-25-20,749-103,745-518,725

More Examples

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