Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 457,141?
A:
Positive:
1 x 45714167 x 6823
Negative:
-1 x -457141-67 x -6823
A:
Positive:
1 x 45714167 x 6823
Negative:
-1 x -457141-67 x -6823
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 457,141, 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 | 457,141 | |
-1 | -457,141 |
When you multiply two negative numbers together, you get a positive number. That means both the positive and negative numbers are factors of 457,141.
Example:
1 x 457,141 = 457,141
and
-1 x -457,141 = 457,141
Notice both answers equal 457,141
With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 457,141 and divide it by 2:
457,141 ÷ 2 = 228,570.5
If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 228,570.5 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 | 457,141 | |
-1 | -457,141 |
Now, we try dividing 457,141 by 3:
457,141 ÷ 3 = 152,380.3333
If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 152,380.3333 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 | 457,141 | |
-1 | -457,141 |
Let's try dividing by 4:
457,141 ÷ 4 = 114,285.25
If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 114,285.25 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 | 457,141 | |
-1 | 457,141 |
If you did it right, you will end up with this table:
1 | 67 | 6,823 | 457,141 |
-1 | -67 | -6,823 | -457,141 |
Here are some more numbers to try:
Try the factor calculator