Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 3,989,455?

 A:
Positive:   1 x 39894555 x 797891619 x 64451289 x 3095
Negative: -1 x -3989455-5 x -797891-619 x -6445-1289 x -3095


How do I find the factor combinations of the number 3,989,455?

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 3,989,455, 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 3,989,455
-1 -3,989,455

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 3,989,455.

Example:
1 x 3,989,455 = 3,989,455
and
-1 x -3,989,455 = 3,989,455
Notice both answers equal 3,989,455

With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 3,989,455 and divide it by 2:

3,989,455 ÷ 2 = 1,994,727.5

If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 1,994,727.5 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 3,989,455
-1 -3,989,455

Now, we try dividing 3,989,455 by 3:

3,989,455 ÷ 3 = 1,329,818.3333

If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 1,329,818.3333 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 3,989,455
-1 -3,989,455

Let's try dividing by 4:

3,989,455 ÷ 4 = 997,363.75

If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 997,363.75 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 3,989,455
-1 3,989,455
Keep dividing by the next highest number until you cannot divide anymore.

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

156191,2893,0956,445797,8913,989,455
-1-5-619-1,289-3,095-6,445-797,891-3,989,455

More Examples

Here are some more numbers to try:

Try the factor calculator

Explore more about the number 3,989,455:


Ask a Question