Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 4,004,537?

 A:
Positive:   1 x 400453717 x 235561103 x 388791751 x 2287
Negative: -1 x -4004537-17 x -235561-103 x -38879-1751 x -2287


How do I find the factor combinations of the number 4,004,537?

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 4,004,537, 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 4,004,537
-1 -4,004,537

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 4,004,537.

Example:
1 x 4,004,537 = 4,004,537
and
-1 x -4,004,537 = 4,004,537
Notice both answers equal 4,004,537

With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 4,004,537 and divide it by 2:

4,004,537 ÷ 2 = 2,002,268.5

If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 2,002,268.5 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 4,004,537
-1 -4,004,537

Now, we try dividing 4,004,537 by 3:

4,004,537 ÷ 3 = 1,334,845.6667

If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 1,334,845.6667 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 4,004,537
-1 -4,004,537

Let's try dividing by 4:

4,004,537 ÷ 4 = 1,001,134.25

If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 1,001,134.25 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 4,004,537
-1 4,004,537
Keep dividing by the next highest number until you cannot divide anymore.

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

1171031,7512,28738,879235,5614,004,537
-1-17-103-1,751-2,287-38,879-235,561-4,004,537

More Examples

Here are some more numbers to try:

Try the factor calculator

Explore more about the number 4,004,537:


Ask a Question