Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 392,479?
A:
Positive:
1 x 39247917 x 23087
Negative:
-1 x -392479-17 x -23087
A:
Positive:
1 x 39247917 x 23087
Negative:
-1 x -392479-17 x -23087
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 392,479, 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 | 392,479 | |
-1 | -392,479 |
When you multiply two negative numbers together, you get a positive number. That means both the positive and negative numbers are factors of 392,479.
Example:
1 x 392,479 = 392,479
and
-1 x -392,479 = 392,479
Notice both answers equal 392,479
With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 392,479 and divide it by 2:
392,479 ÷ 2 = 196,239.5
If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 196,239.5 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 | 392,479 | |
-1 | -392,479 |
Now, we try dividing 392,479 by 3:
392,479 ÷ 3 = 130,826.3333
If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 130,826.3333 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 | 392,479 | |
-1 | -392,479 |
Let's try dividing by 4:
392,479 ÷ 4 = 98,119.75
If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 98,119.75 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 | 392,479 | |
-1 | 392,479 |
If you did it right, you will end up with this table:
1 | 17 | 23,087 | 392,479 |
-1 | -17 | -23,087 | -392,479 |
Here are some more numbers to try:
Try the factor calculator