Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 2,947,097?

 A:
Positive:   1 x 2947097
Negative: -1 x -2947097


How do I find the factor combinations of the number 2,947,097?

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 2,947,097, 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 2,947,097
-1 -2,947,097

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 2,947,097.

Example:
1 x 2,947,097 = 2,947,097
and
-1 x -2,947,097 = 2,947,097
Notice both answers equal 2,947,097

With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 2,947,097 and divide it by 2:

2,947,097 ÷ 2 = 1,473,548.5

If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 1,473,548.5 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 2,947,097
-1 -2,947,097

Now, we try dividing 2,947,097 by 3:

2,947,097 ÷ 3 = 982,365.6667

If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 982,365.6667 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 2,947,097
-1 -2,947,097

Let's try dividing by 4:

2,947,097 ÷ 4 = 736,774.25

If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 736,774.25 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 2,947,097
-1 2,947,097
Keep dividing by the next highest number until you cannot divide anymore.

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

12,947,097
-1-2,947,097

More Examples

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