Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 3,573,721?

 A:
Positive:   1 x 3573721293 x 12197
Negative: -1 x -3573721-293 x -12197


How do I find the factor combinations of the number 3,573,721?

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 3,573,721, 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 3,573,721
-1 -3,573,721

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 3,573,721.

Example:
1 x 3,573,721 = 3,573,721
and
-1 x -3,573,721 = 3,573,721
Notice both answers equal 3,573,721

With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 3,573,721 and divide it by 2:

3,573,721 ÷ 2 = 1,786,860.5

If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 1,786,860.5 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 3,573,721
-1 -3,573,721

Now, we try dividing 3,573,721 by 3:

3,573,721 ÷ 3 = 1,191,240.3333

If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 1,191,240.3333 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 3,573,721
-1 -3,573,721

Let's try dividing by 4:

3,573,721 ÷ 4 = 893,430.25

If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 893,430.25 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 3,573,721
-1 3,573,721
Keep dividing by the next highest number until you cannot divide anymore.

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

129312,1973,573,721
-1-293-12,197-3,573,721

More Examples

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