Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 401,503?
A:
Positive:
1 x 401503331 x 1213
Negative:
-1 x -401503-331 x -1213
A:
Positive:
1 x 401503331 x 1213
Negative:
-1 x -401503-331 x -1213
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 401,503, 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 | 401,503 | |
-1 | -401,503 |
When you multiply two negative numbers together, you get a positive number. That means both the positive and negative numbers are factors of 401,503.
Example:
1 x 401,503 = 401,503
and
-1 x -401,503 = 401,503
Notice both answers equal 401,503
With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 401,503 and divide it by 2:
401,503 ÷ 2 = 200,751.5
If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 200,751.5 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 | 401,503 | |
-1 | -401,503 |
Now, we try dividing 401,503 by 3:
401,503 ÷ 3 = 133,834.3333
If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 133,834.3333 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 | 401,503 | |
-1 | -401,503 |
Let's try dividing by 4:
401,503 ÷ 4 = 100,375.75
If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 100,375.75 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 | 401,503 | |
-1 | 401,503 |
If you did it right, you will end up with this table:
1 | 331 | 1,213 | 401,503 |
-1 | -331 | -1,213 | -401,503 |
Here are some more numbers to try:
Try the factor calculator