Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 427,909?
A:
Positive:
1 x 427909271 x 1579
Negative:
-1 x -427909-271 x -1579
A:
Positive:
1 x 427909271 x 1579
Negative:
-1 x -427909-271 x -1579
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 427,909, 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 | 427,909 | |
-1 | -427,909 |
When you multiply two negative numbers together, you get a positive number. That means both the positive and negative numbers are factors of 427,909.
Example:
1 x 427,909 = 427,909
and
-1 x -427,909 = 427,909
Notice both answers equal 427,909
With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 427,909 and divide it by 2:
427,909 ÷ 2 = 213,954.5
If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 213,954.5 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 | 427,909 | |
-1 | -427,909 |
Now, we try dividing 427,909 by 3:
427,909 ÷ 3 = 142,636.3333
If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 142,636.3333 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 | 427,909 | |
-1 | -427,909 |
Let's try dividing by 4:
427,909 ÷ 4 = 106,977.25
If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 106,977.25 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 | 427,909 | |
-1 | 427,909 |
If you did it right, you will end up with this table:
1 | 271 | 1,579 | 427,909 |
-1 | -271 | -1,579 | -427,909 |
Here are some more numbers to try:
Try the factor calculator