Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 434,197?

 A:
Positive:   1 x 43419717 x 25541
Negative: -1 x -434197-17 x -25541


How do I find the factor combinations of the number 434,197?

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 434,197, it is easier to work with a table - it's called factoring from the outside in.

Outside in Factoring

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.

1 434,197
-1 -434,197

Why are the negative numbers included?

When you multiply two negative numbers together, you get a positive number. That means both the positive and negative numbers are factors of 434,197.

Example:
1 x 434,197 = 434,197
and
-1 x -434,197 = 434,197
Notice both answers equal 434,197

With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 434,197 and divide it by 2:

434,197 ÷ 2 = 217,098.5

If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 217,098.5 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:

1 434,197
-1 -434,197

Now, we try dividing 434,197 by 3:

434,197 ÷ 3 = 144,732.3333

If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 144,732.3333 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:

1 434,197
-1 -434,197

Let's try dividing by 4:

434,197 ÷ 4 = 108,549.25

If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 108,549.25 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:

1 434,197
-1 434,197
Keep dividing by the next highest number until you cannot divide anymore.

If you did it right, you will end up with this table:

11725,541434,197
-1-17-25,541-434,197

More Examples

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