Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 408,467?

 A:
Positive:   1 x 40846797 x 4211
Negative: -1 x -408467-97 x -4211


How do I find the factor combinations of the number 408,467?

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 408,467, 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.

1 408,467
-1 -408,467

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 408,467.

Example:
1 x 408,467 = 408,467
and
-1 x -408,467 = 408,467
Notice both answers equal 408,467

With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 408,467 and divide it by 2:

408,467 ÷ 2 = 204,233.5

If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 204,233.5 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:

1 408,467
-1 -408,467

Now, we try dividing 408,467 by 3:

408,467 ÷ 3 = 136,155.6667

If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 136,155.6667 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:

1 408,467
-1 -408,467

Let's try dividing by 4:

408,467 ÷ 4 = 102,116.75

If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 102,116.75 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:

1 408,467
-1 408,467
Keep dividing by the next highest number until you cannot divide anymore.

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

1974,211408,467
-1-97-4,211-408,467

More Examples

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