Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 1,744?

 A:
Positive:   1 x 17442 x 8724 x 4368 x 21816 x 109
Negative: -1 x -1744-2 x -872-4 x -436-8 x -218-16 x -109


How do I find the factor combinations of the number 1,744?

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 1,744, 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 1,744
-1 -1,744

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 1,744.

Example:
1 x 1,744 = 1,744
and
-1 x -1,744 = 1,744
Notice both answers equal 1,744

With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 1,744 and divide it by 2:

1,744 ÷ 2 = 872

If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 872 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 2 872 1,744
-1 -2 -872 -1,744

Now, we try dividing 1,744 by 3:

1,744 ÷ 3 = 581.3333

If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 581.3333 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 2 872 1,744
-1 -2 -872 -1,744

Let's try dividing by 4:

1,744 ÷ 4 = 436

If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 436 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 4 436 872 1,744
-1 -2 -4 -436 -872 1,744
Keep dividing by the next highest number until you cannot divide anymore.

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

1248161092184368721,744
-1-2-4-8-16-109-218-436-872-1,744

More Examples

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