Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 424,229?
A:
Positive:
1 x 42422913 x 32633
Negative:
-1 x -424229-13 x -32633
A:
Positive:
1 x 42422913 x 32633
Negative:
-1 x -424229-13 x -32633
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 424,229, 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 | 424,229 | |
-1 | -424,229 |
When you multiply two negative numbers together, you get a positive number. That means both the positive and negative numbers are factors of 424,229.
Example:
1 x 424,229 = 424,229
and
-1 x -424,229 = 424,229
Notice both answers equal 424,229
With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 424,229 and divide it by 2:
424,229 ÷ 2 = 212,114.5
If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 212,114.5 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 | 424,229 | |
-1 | -424,229 |
Now, we try dividing 424,229 by 3:
424,229 ÷ 3 = 141,409.6667
If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 141,409.6667 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 | 424,229 | |
-1 | -424,229 |
Let's try dividing by 4:
424,229 ÷ 4 = 106,057.25
If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 106,057.25 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 | 424,229 | |
-1 | 424,229 |
If you did it right, you will end up with this table:
1 | 13 | 32,633 | 424,229 |
-1 | -13 | -32,633 | -424,229 |
Here are some more numbers to try:
Try the factor calculator