Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 412,004?

 A:
Positive:   1 x 4120042 x 2060024 x 103001
Negative: -1 x -412004-2 x -206002-4 x -103001


How do I find the factor combinations of the number 412,004?

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 412,004, 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.

1 412,004
-1 -412,004

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 412,004.

Example:
1 x 412,004 = 412,004
and
-1 x -412,004 = 412,004
Notice both answers equal 412,004

With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 412,004 and divide it by 2:

412,004 ÷ 2 = 206,002

If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 206,002 are factors. In this case, the quotient is a whole number. Write them in the table inside the other two factors like the below example. Don't forget to write the negative numbers too!

Here is what our table should look like at this step:

1 2 206,002 412,004
-1 -2 -206,002 -412,004

Now, we try dividing 412,004 by 3:

412,004 ÷ 3 = 137,334.6667

If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 137,334.6667 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 2 206,002 412,004
-1 -2 -206,002 -412,004

Let's try dividing by 4:

412,004 ÷ 4 = 103,001

If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 103,001 are factors. In this case, the quotient is a whole number. Write them in the table inside the other two factors like the below example. Don't forget to write the negative numbers too!

Here is what our table should look like at this step:

1 2 4 103,001 206,002 412,004
-1 -2 -4 -103,001 -206,002 412,004
Keep dividing by the next highest number until you cannot divide anymore.

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

124103,001206,002412,004
-1-2-4-103,001-206,002-412,004

More Examples

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