Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 442,523?
A:
Positive:
1 x 442523547 x 809
Negative:
-1 x -442523-547 x -809
A:
Positive:
1 x 442523547 x 809
Negative:
-1 x -442523-547 x -809
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 442,523, 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 | 442,523 | |
-1 | -442,523 |
When you multiply two negative numbers together, you get a positive number. That means both the positive and negative numbers are factors of 442,523.
Example:
1 x 442,523 = 442,523
and
-1 x -442,523 = 442,523
Notice both answers equal 442,523
With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 442,523 and divide it by 2:
442,523 ÷ 2 = 221,261.5
If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 221,261.5 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 | 442,523 | |
-1 | -442,523 |
Now, we try dividing 442,523 by 3:
442,523 ÷ 3 = 147,507.6667
If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 147,507.6667 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 | 442,523 | |
-1 | -442,523 |
Let's try dividing by 4:
442,523 ÷ 4 = 110,630.75
If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 110,630.75 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 | 442,523 | |
-1 | 442,523 |
If you did it right, you will end up with this table:
1 | 547 | 809 | 442,523 |
-1 | -547 | -809 | -442,523 |
Here are some more numbers to try:
Try the factor calculator