Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 568?

 A:
Positive:   1 x 5682 x 2844 x 1428 x 71
Negative: -1 x -568-2 x -284-4 x -142-8 x -71


How do I find the factor combinations of the number 568?

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 568, 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.

1 568
-1 -568

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 568.

Example:
1 x 568 = 568
and
-1 x -568 = 568
Notice both answers equal 568

With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 568 and divide it by 2:

568 ÷ 2 = 284

If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 284 are factors. In this case, the quotient is a whole number. Write them in the table inside the other two factors like the below example. Don't forget to write the negative numbers too!

Here is what our table should look like at this step:

1 2 284 568
-1 -2 -284 -568

Now, we try dividing 568 by 3:

568 ÷ 3 = 189.3333

If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 189.3333 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 2 284 568
-1 -2 -284 -568

Let's try dividing by 4:

568 ÷ 4 = 142

If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 142 are factors. In this case, the quotient is a whole number. Write them in the table inside the other two factors like the below example. Don't forget to write the negative numbers too!

Here is what our table should look like at this step:

1 2 4 142 284 568
-1 -2 -4 -142 -284 568
Keep dividing by the next highest number until you cannot divide anymore.

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

124871142284568
-1-2-4-8-71-142-284-568

More Examples

Here are some more numbers to try:

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