How do I find the factor combinations of the number 446,020?
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 446,020, 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.
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 446,020.
Example:
1 x 446,020 = 446,020
and
-1 x -446,020 = 446,020
Notice both answers equal 446,020
With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 446,020 and divide it by 2:
446,020 ÷ 2 = 223,010
If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 223,010 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:
Now, we try dividing 446,020 by 3:
446,020 ÷ 3 = 148,673.3333
If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 148,673.3333 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:
Let's try dividing by 4:
446,020 ÷ 4 = 111,505
If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 111,505 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:
Keep dividing by the next highest number until you cannot divide anymore.
If you did it right, you will end up with this table:
More Examples
Here are some more numbers to try:
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