Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 429,617?
A:
Positive:
1 x 42961723 x 18679
Negative:
-1 x -429617-23 x -18679
A:
Positive:
1 x 42961723 x 18679
Negative:
-1 x -429617-23 x -18679
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 429,617, 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 | 429,617 | |
-1 | -429,617 |
When you multiply two negative numbers together, you get a positive number. That means both the positive and negative numbers are factors of 429,617.
Example:
1 x 429,617 = 429,617
and
-1 x -429,617 = 429,617
Notice both answers equal 429,617
With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 429,617 and divide it by 2:
429,617 ÷ 2 = 214,808.5
If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 214,808.5 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 | 429,617 | |
-1 | -429,617 |
Now, we try dividing 429,617 by 3:
429,617 ÷ 3 = 143,205.6667
If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 143,205.6667 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 | 429,617 | |
-1 | -429,617 |
Let's try dividing by 4:
429,617 ÷ 4 = 107,404.25
If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 107,404.25 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 | 429,617 | |
-1 | 429,617 |
If you did it right, you will end up with this table:
1 | 23 | 18,679 | 429,617 |
-1 | -23 | -18,679 | -429,617 |
Here are some more numbers to try:
Try the factor calculator