Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 402,839?
A:
Positive:
1 x 40283929 x 13891479 x 841
Negative:
-1 x -402839-29 x -13891-479 x -841
A:
Positive:
1 x 40283929 x 13891479 x 841
Negative:
-1 x -402839-29 x -13891-479 x -841
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 402,839, 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 | 402,839 | |
-1 | -402,839 |
When you multiply two negative numbers together, you get a positive number. That means both the positive and negative numbers are factors of 402,839.
Example:
1 x 402,839 = 402,839
and
-1 x -402,839 = 402,839
Notice both answers equal 402,839
With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 402,839 and divide it by 2:
402,839 ÷ 2 = 201,419.5
If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 201,419.5 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 | 402,839 | |
-1 | -402,839 |
Now, we try dividing 402,839 by 3:
402,839 ÷ 3 = 134,279.6667
If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 134,279.6667 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 | 402,839 | |
-1 | -402,839 |
Let's try dividing by 4:
402,839 ÷ 4 = 100,709.75
If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 100,709.75 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 | 402,839 | |
-1 | 402,839 |
If you did it right, you will end up with this table:
1 | 29 | 479 | 841 | 13,891 | 402,839 |
-1 | -29 | -479 | -841 | -13,891 | -402,839 |
Here are some more numbers to try:
Try the factor calculator