Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 417,207,407?

 A:
Positive:   1 x 4172074072843 x 146749
Negative: -1 x -417207407-2843 x -146749


How do I find the factor combinations of the number 417,207,407?

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 417,207,407, 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.

1 417,207,407
-1 -417,207,407

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 417,207,407.

Example:
1 x 417,207,407 = 417,207,407
and
-1 x -417,207,407 = 417,207,407
Notice both answers equal 417,207,407

With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 417,207,407 and divide it by 2:

417,207,407 ÷ 2 = 208,603,703.5

If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 208,603,703.5 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:

1 417,207,407
-1 -417,207,407

Now, we try dividing 417,207,407 by 3:

417,207,407 ÷ 3 = 139,069,135.6667

If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 139,069,135.6667 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:

1 417,207,407
-1 -417,207,407

Let's try dividing by 4:

417,207,407 ÷ 4 = 104,301,851.75

If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 104,301,851.75 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:

1 417,207,407
-1 417,207,407
Keep dividing by the next highest number until you cannot divide anymore.

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

12,843146,749417,207,407
-1-2,843-146,749-417,207,407

More Examples

Here are some more numbers to try:

Try the factor calculator

Explore more about the number 417,207,407:


Ask a Question