Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 855,179?

 A:
Positive:   1 x 85517913 x 65783157 x 5447419 x 2041
Negative: -1 x -855179-13 x -65783-157 x -5447-419 x -2041


How do I find the factor combinations of the number 855,179?

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 855,179, 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.

1 855,179
-1 -855,179

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 855,179.

Example:
1 x 855,179 = 855,179
and
-1 x -855,179 = 855,179
Notice both answers equal 855,179

With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 855,179 and divide it by 2:

855,179 ÷ 2 = 427,589.5

If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 427,589.5 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:

1 855,179
-1 -855,179

Now, we try dividing 855,179 by 3:

855,179 ÷ 3 = 285,059.6667

If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 285,059.6667 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:

1 855,179
-1 -855,179

Let's try dividing by 4:

855,179 ÷ 4 = 213,794.75

If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 213,794.75 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:

1 855,179
-1 855,179
Keep dividing by the next highest number until you cannot divide anymore.

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

1131574192,0415,44765,783855,179
-1-13-157-419-2,041-5,447-65,783-855,179

More Examples

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