Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 655,621?

 A:
Positive:   1 x 65562143 x 1524779 x 8299193 x 3397
Negative: -1 x -655621-43 x -15247-79 x -8299-193 x -3397


How do I find the factor combinations of the number 655,621?

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 655,621, 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.

1 655,621
-1 -655,621

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 655,621.

Example:
1 x 655,621 = 655,621
and
-1 x -655,621 = 655,621
Notice both answers equal 655,621

With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 655,621 and divide it by 2:

655,621 ÷ 2 = 327,810.5

If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 327,810.5 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:

1 655,621
-1 -655,621

Now, we try dividing 655,621 by 3:

655,621 ÷ 3 = 218,540.3333

If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 218,540.3333 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:

1 655,621
-1 -655,621

Let's try dividing by 4:

655,621 ÷ 4 = 163,905.25

If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 163,905.25 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:

1 655,621
-1 655,621
Keep dividing by the next highest number until you cannot divide anymore.

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

143791933,3978,29915,247655,621
-1-43-79-193-3,397-8,299-15,247-655,621

More Examples

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