Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 1,046,731?

 A:
Positive:   1 x 10467317 x 149533
Negative: -1 x -1046731-7 x -149533


How do I find the factor combinations of the number 1,046,731?

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 1,046,731, 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 1,046,731
-1 -1,046,731

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 1,046,731.

Example:
1 x 1,046,731 = 1,046,731
and
-1 x -1,046,731 = 1,046,731
Notice both answers equal 1,046,731

With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 1,046,731 and divide it by 2:

1,046,731 ÷ 2 = 523,365.5

If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 523,365.5 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 1,046,731
-1 -1,046,731

Now, we try dividing 1,046,731 by 3:

1,046,731 ÷ 3 = 348,910.3333

If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 348,910.3333 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 1,046,731
-1 -1,046,731

Let's try dividing by 4:

1,046,731 ÷ 4 = 261,682.75

If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 261,682.75 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 1,046,731
-1 1,046,731
Keep dividing by the next highest number until you cannot divide anymore.

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

17149,5331,046,731
-1-7-149,533-1,046,731

More Examples

Here are some more numbers to try:

Try the factor calculator

Explore more about the number 1,046,731:


Ask a Question