Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 436,958?

 A:
Positive:   1 x 4369582 x 218479
Negative: -1 x -436958-2 x -218479


How do I find the factor combinations of the number 436,958?

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 436,958, 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.

1 436,958
-1 -436,958

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 436,958.

Example:
1 x 436,958 = 436,958
and
-1 x -436,958 = 436,958
Notice both answers equal 436,958

With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 436,958 and divide it by 2:

436,958 ÷ 2 = 218,479

If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 218,479 are factors. In this case, the quotient is a whole number. Write them in the table inside the other two factors like the below example. Don't forget to write the negative numbers too!

Here is what our table should look like at this step:

1 2 218,479 436,958
-1 -2 -218,479 -436,958

Now, we try dividing 436,958 by 3:

436,958 ÷ 3 = 145,652.6667

If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 145,652.6667 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 2 218,479 436,958
-1 -2 -218,479 -436,958

Let's try dividing by 4:

436,958 ÷ 4 = 109,239.5

If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 109,239.5 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 2 218,479 436,958
-1 -2 -218,479 436,958
Keep dividing by the next highest number until you cannot divide anymore.

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

12218,479436,958
-1-2-218,479-436,958

More Examples

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