Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 446,521?
A:
Positive:
1 x 446521101 x 4421
Negative:
-1 x -446521-101 x -4421
A:
Positive:
1 x 446521101 x 4421
Negative:
-1 x -446521-101 x -4421
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 446,521, 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 | 446,521 | |
-1 | -446,521 |
When you multiply two negative numbers together, you get a positive number. That means both the positive and negative numbers are factors of 446,521.
Example:
1 x 446,521 = 446,521
and
-1 x -446,521 = 446,521
Notice both answers equal 446,521
With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 446,521 and divide it by 2:
446,521 ÷ 2 = 223,260.5
If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 223,260.5 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 | 446,521 | |
-1 | -446,521 |
Now, we try dividing 446,521 by 3:
446,521 ÷ 3 = 148,840.3333
If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 148,840.3333 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:
1 | 446,521 | |
-1 | -446,521 |
Let's try dividing by 4:
446,521 ÷ 4 = 111,630.25
If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 111,630.25 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 | 446,521 | |
-1 | 446,521 |
If you did it right, you will end up with this table:
1 | 101 | 4,421 | 446,521 |
-1 | -101 | -4,421 | -446,521 |
Here are some more numbers to try:
Try the factor calculator