Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 400,691?

 A:
Positive:   1 x 40069119 x 21089
Negative: -1 x -400691-19 x -21089


How do I find the factor combinations of the number 400,691?

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 400,691, 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.

1 400,691
-1 -400,691

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 400,691.

Example:
1 x 400,691 = 400,691
and
-1 x -400,691 = 400,691
Notice both answers equal 400,691

With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 400,691 and divide it by 2:

400,691 ÷ 2 = 200,345.5

If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 200,345.5 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:

1 400,691
-1 -400,691

Now, we try dividing 400,691 by 3:

400,691 ÷ 3 = 133,563.6667

If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 133,563.6667 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:

1 400,691
-1 -400,691

Let's try dividing by 4:

400,691 ÷ 4 = 100,172.75

If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 100,172.75 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:

1 400,691
-1 400,691
Keep dividing by the next highest number until you cannot divide anymore.

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

11921,089400,691
-1-19-21,089-400,691

More Examples

Here are some more numbers to try:

Try the factor calculator

Explore more about the number 400,691:


Ask a Question