Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 426,817?
A:
Positive:
1 x 42681761 x 6997
Negative:
-1 x -426817-61 x -6997
A:
Positive:
1 x 42681761 x 6997
Negative:
-1 x -426817-61 x -6997
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 426,817, 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 | 426,817 | |
-1 | -426,817 |
When you multiply two negative numbers together, you get a positive number. That means both the positive and negative numbers are factors of 426,817.
Example:
1 x 426,817 = 426,817
and
-1 x -426,817 = 426,817
Notice both answers equal 426,817
With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 426,817 and divide it by 2:
426,817 ÷ 2 = 213,408.5
If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 213,408.5 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 | 426,817 | |
-1 | -426,817 |
Now, we try dividing 426,817 by 3:
426,817 ÷ 3 = 142,272.3333
If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 142,272.3333 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 | 426,817 | |
-1 | -426,817 |
Let's try dividing by 4:
426,817 ÷ 4 = 106,704.25
If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 106,704.25 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 | 426,817 | |
-1 | 426,817 |
If you did it right, you will end up with this table:
1 | 61 | 6,997 | 426,817 |
-1 | -61 | -6,997 | -426,817 |
Here are some more numbers to try:
Try the factor calculator