Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 1,639,474?

 A:
Positive:   1 x 16394742 x 819737
Negative: -1 x -1639474-2 x -819737


How do I find the factor combinations of the number 1,639,474?

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 1,639,474, 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 1,639,474
-1 -1,639,474

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 1,639,474.

Example:
1 x 1,639,474 = 1,639,474
and
-1 x -1,639,474 = 1,639,474
Notice both answers equal 1,639,474

With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 1,639,474 and divide it by 2:

1,639,474 ÷ 2 = 819,737

If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 819,737 are factors. In this case, the quotient is a whole number. Write them in the table inside the other two factors like the below example. Don't forget to write the negative numbers too!

Here is what our table should look like at this step:

1 2 819,737 1,639,474
-1 -2 -819,737 -1,639,474

Now, we try dividing 1,639,474 by 3:

1,639,474 ÷ 3 = 546,491.3333

If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 546,491.3333 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 2 819,737 1,639,474
-1 -2 -819,737 -1,639,474

Let's try dividing by 4:

1,639,474 ÷ 4 = 409,868.5

If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 409,868.5 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 2 819,737 1,639,474
-1 -2 -819,737 1,639,474
Keep dividing by the next highest number until you cannot divide anymore.

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

12819,7371,639,474
-1-2-819,737-1,639,474

More Examples

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