Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 1,621,271?

 A:
Positive:   1 x 1621271421 x 3851
Negative: -1 x -1621271-421 x -3851


How do I find the factor combinations of the number 1,621,271?

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 1,621,271, 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 1,621,271
-1 -1,621,271

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 1,621,271.

Example:
1 x 1,621,271 = 1,621,271
and
-1 x -1,621,271 = 1,621,271
Notice both answers equal 1,621,271

With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 1,621,271 and divide it by 2:

1,621,271 ÷ 2 = 810,635.5

If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 810,635.5 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 1,621,271
-1 -1,621,271

Now, we try dividing 1,621,271 by 3:

1,621,271 ÷ 3 = 540,423.6667

If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 540,423.6667 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 1,621,271
-1 -1,621,271

Let's try dividing by 4:

1,621,271 ÷ 4 = 405,317.75

If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 405,317.75 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 1,621,271
-1 1,621,271
Keep dividing by the next highest number until you cannot divide anymore.

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

14213,8511,621,271
-1-421-3,851-1,621,271

More Examples

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