Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 9,557?

 A:
Positive:   1 x 955719 x 503
Negative: -1 x -9557-19 x -503


How do I find the factor combinations of the number 9,557?

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 9,557, 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 9,557
-1 -9,557

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 9,557.

Example:
1 x 9,557 = 9,557
and
-1 x -9,557 = 9,557
Notice both answers equal 9,557

With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 9,557 and divide it by 2:

9,557 ÷ 2 = 4,778.5

If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 4,778.5 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 9,557
-1 -9,557

Now, we try dividing 9,557 by 3:

9,557 ÷ 3 = 3,185.6667

If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 3,185.6667 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 9,557
-1 -9,557

Let's try dividing by 4:

9,557 ÷ 4 = 2,389.25

If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 2,389.25 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 9,557
-1 9,557
Keep dividing by the next highest number until you cannot divide anymore.

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

1195039,557
-1-19-503-9,557

More Examples

Here are some more numbers to try:

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