Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 4,042,015?

 A:
Positive:   1 x 40420155 x 808403661 x 61151223 x 3305
Negative: -1 x -4042015-5 x -808403-661 x -6115-1223 x -3305


How do I find the factor combinations of the number 4,042,015?

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 4,042,015, 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 4,042,015
-1 -4,042,015

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 4,042,015.

Example:
1 x 4,042,015 = 4,042,015
and
-1 x -4,042,015 = 4,042,015
Notice both answers equal 4,042,015

With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 4,042,015 and divide it by 2:

4,042,015 ÷ 2 = 2,021,007.5

If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 2,021,007.5 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 4,042,015
-1 -4,042,015

Now, we try dividing 4,042,015 by 3:

4,042,015 ÷ 3 = 1,347,338.3333

If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 1,347,338.3333 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 4,042,015
-1 -4,042,015

Let's try dividing by 4:

4,042,015 ÷ 4 = 1,010,503.75

If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 1,010,503.75 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 4,042,015
-1 4,042,015
Keep dividing by the next highest number until you cannot divide anymore.

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

156611,2233,3056,115808,4034,042,015
-1-5-661-1,223-3,305-6,115-808,403-4,042,015

More Examples

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