Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 458,461?

 A:
Positive:   1 x 45846129 x 15809
Negative: -1 x -458461-29 x -15809


How do I find the factor combinations of the number 458,461?

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 458,461, 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.

1 458,461
-1 -458,461

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 458,461.

Example:
1 x 458,461 = 458,461
and
-1 x -458,461 = 458,461
Notice both answers equal 458,461

With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 458,461 and divide it by 2:

458,461 ÷ 2 = 229,230.5

If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 229,230.5 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:

1 458,461
-1 -458,461

Now, we try dividing 458,461 by 3:

458,461 ÷ 3 = 152,820.3333

If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 152,820.3333 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:

1 458,461
-1 -458,461

Let's try dividing by 4:

458,461 ÷ 4 = 114,615.25

If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 114,615.25 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:

1 458,461
-1 458,461
Keep dividing by the next highest number until you cannot divide anymore.

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

12915,809458,461
-1-29-15,809-458,461

More Examples

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