Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 420,079?
A:
Positive:
1 x 42007911 x 38189
Negative:
-1 x -420079-11 x -38189
A:
Positive:
1 x 42007911 x 38189
Negative:
-1 x -420079-11 x -38189
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 420,079, 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 | 420,079 | |
-1 | -420,079 |
When you multiply two negative numbers together, you get a positive number. That means both the positive and negative numbers are factors of 420,079.
Example:
1 x 420,079 = 420,079
and
-1 x -420,079 = 420,079
Notice both answers equal 420,079
With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 420,079 and divide it by 2:
420,079 ÷ 2 = 210,039.5
If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 210,039.5 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 | 420,079 | |
-1 | -420,079 |
Now, we try dividing 420,079 by 3:
420,079 ÷ 3 = 140,026.3333
If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 140,026.3333 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 | 420,079 | |
-1 | -420,079 |
Let's try dividing by 4:
420,079 ÷ 4 = 105,019.75
If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 105,019.75 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 | 420,079 | |
-1 | 420,079 |
If you did it right, you will end up with this table:
1 | 11 | 38,189 | 420,079 |
-1 | -11 | -38,189 | -420,079 |
Here are some more numbers to try:
Try the factor calculator