Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 442,631?

 A:
Positive:   1 x 4426317 x 6323337 x 11963259 x 1709
Negative: -1 x -442631-7 x -63233-37 x -11963-259 x -1709


How do I find the factor combinations of the number 442,631?

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 442,631, 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.

1 442,631
-1 -442,631

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 442,631.

Example:
1 x 442,631 = 442,631
and
-1 x -442,631 = 442,631
Notice both answers equal 442,631

With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 442,631 and divide it by 2:

442,631 ÷ 2 = 221,315.5

If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 221,315.5 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:

1 442,631
-1 -442,631

Now, we try dividing 442,631 by 3:

442,631 ÷ 3 = 147,543.6667

If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 147,543.6667 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:

1 442,631
-1 -442,631

Let's try dividing by 4:

442,631 ÷ 4 = 110,657.75

If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 110,657.75 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:

1 442,631
-1 442,631
Keep dividing by the next highest number until you cannot divide anymore.

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

17372591,70911,96363,233442,631
-1-7-37-259-1,709-11,963-63,233-442,631

More Examples

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