Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 678,571?

 A:
Positive:   1 x 67857129 x 23399
Negative: -1 x -678571-29 x -23399


How do I find the factor combinations of the number 678,571?

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 678,571, 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.

1 678,571
-1 -678,571

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 678,571.

Example:
1 x 678,571 = 678,571
and
-1 x -678,571 = 678,571
Notice both answers equal 678,571

With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 678,571 and divide it by 2:

678,571 ÷ 2 = 339,285.5

If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 339,285.5 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:

1 678,571
-1 -678,571

Now, we try dividing 678,571 by 3:

678,571 ÷ 3 = 226,190.3333

If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 226,190.3333 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:

1 678,571
-1 -678,571

Let's try dividing by 4:

678,571 ÷ 4 = 169,642.75

If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 169,642.75 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:

1 678,571
-1 678,571
Keep dividing by the next highest number until you cannot divide anymore.

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

12923,399678,571
-1-29-23,399-678,571

More Examples

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