Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 434,657?
A:
Positive:
1 x 43465797 x 4481
Negative:
-1 x -434657-97 x -4481
A:
Positive:
1 x 43465797 x 4481
Negative:
-1 x -434657-97 x -4481
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 434,657, 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 | 434,657 | |
-1 | -434,657 |
When you multiply two negative numbers together, you get a positive number. That means both the positive and negative numbers are factors of 434,657.
Example:
1 x 434,657 = 434,657
and
-1 x -434,657 = 434,657
Notice both answers equal 434,657
With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 434,657 and divide it by 2:
434,657 ÷ 2 = 217,328.5
If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 217,328.5 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 | 434,657 | |
-1 | -434,657 |
Now, we try dividing 434,657 by 3:
434,657 ÷ 3 = 144,885.6667
If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 144,885.6667 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 | 434,657 | |
-1 | -434,657 |
Let's try dividing by 4:
434,657 ÷ 4 = 108,664.25
If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 108,664.25 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 | 434,657 | |
-1 | 434,657 |
If you did it right, you will end up with this table:
1 | 97 | 4,481 | 434,657 |
-1 | -97 | -4,481 | -434,657 |
Here are some more numbers to try:
Try the factor calculator