Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 6,649?

 A:
Positive:   1 x 664961 x 109
Negative: -1 x -6649-61 x -109


How do I find the factor combinations of the number 6,649?

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 6,649, 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 6,649
-1 -6,649

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 6,649.

Example:
1 x 6,649 = 6,649
and
-1 x -6,649 = 6,649
Notice both answers equal 6,649

With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 6,649 and divide it by 2:

6,649 ÷ 2 = 3,324.5

If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 3,324.5 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 6,649
-1 -6,649

Now, we try dividing 6,649 by 3:

6,649 ÷ 3 = 2,216.3333

If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 2,216.3333 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 6,649
-1 -6,649

Let's try dividing by 4:

6,649 ÷ 4 = 1,662.25

If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 1,662.25 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 6,649
-1 6,649
Keep dividing by the next highest number until you cannot divide anymore.

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

1611096,649
-1-61-109-6,649

More Examples

Here are some more numbers to try:

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