Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 2,142,545?
A:
Positive:
1 x 21425455 x 428509
Negative:
-1 x -2142545-5 x -428509
A:
Positive:
1 x 21425455 x 428509
Negative:
-1 x -2142545-5 x -428509
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 2,142,545, it is easier to work with a table - it's called factoring from the outside in.
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 | 2,142,545 | |
-1 | -2,142,545 |
When you multiply two negative numbers together, you get a positive number. That means both the positive and negative numbers are factors of 2,142,545.
Example:
1 x 2,142,545 = 2,142,545
and
-1 x -2,142,545 = 2,142,545
Notice both answers equal 2,142,545
With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 2,142,545 and divide it by 2:
2,142,545 ÷ 2 = 1,071,272.5
If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 1,071,272.5 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 | 2,142,545 | |
-1 | -2,142,545 |
Now, we try dividing 2,142,545 by 3:
2,142,545 ÷ 3 = 714,181.6667
If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 714,181.6667 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 | 2,142,545 | |
-1 | -2,142,545 |
Let's try dividing by 4:
2,142,545 ÷ 4 = 535,636.25
If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 535,636.25 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 | 2,142,545 | |
-1 | 2,142,545 |
If you did it right, you will end up with this table:
1 | 5 | 428,509 | 2,142,545 |
-1 | -5 | -428,509 | -2,142,545 |
Here are some more numbers to try:
Try the factor calculator