Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 42,415?
A:
Positive:
1 x 424155 x 848317 x 249585 x 499
Negative:
-1 x -42415-5 x -8483-17 x -2495-85 x -499
A:
Positive:
1 x 424155 x 848317 x 249585 x 499
Negative:
-1 x -42415-5 x -8483-17 x -2495-85 x -499
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 42,415, 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 | 42,415 | |
-1 | -42,415 |
When you multiply two negative numbers together, you get a positive number. That means both the positive and negative numbers are factors of 42,415.
Example:
1 x 42,415 = 42,415
and
-1 x -42,415 = 42,415
Notice both answers equal 42,415
With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 42,415 and divide it by 2:
42,415 ÷ 2 = 21,207.5
If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 21,207.5 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 | 42,415 | |
-1 | -42,415 |
Now, we try dividing 42,415 by 3:
42,415 ÷ 3 = 14,138.3333
If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 14,138.3333 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 | 42,415 | |
-1 | -42,415 |
Let's try dividing by 4:
42,415 ÷ 4 = 10,603.75
If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 10,603.75 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 | 42,415 | |
-1 | 42,415 |
If you did it right, you will end up with this table:
1 | 5 | 17 | 85 | 499 | 2,495 | 8,483 | 42,415 |
-1 | -5 | -17 | -85 | -499 | -2,495 | -8,483 | -42,415 |
Here are some more numbers to try:
Try the factor calculator