Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 461,694?

 A:
Positive:   1 x 4616942 x 2308473 x 1538986 x 76949
Negative: -1 x -461694-2 x -230847-3 x -153898-6 x -76949


How do I find the factor combinations of the number 461,694?

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 461,694, 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.

1 461,694
-1 -461,694

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 461,694.

Example:
1 x 461,694 = 461,694
and
-1 x -461,694 = 461,694
Notice both answers equal 461,694

With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 461,694 and divide it by 2:

461,694 ÷ 2 = 230,847

If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 230,847 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:

1 2 230,847 461,694
-1 -2 -230,847 -461,694

Now, we try dividing 461,694 by 3:

461,694 ÷ 3 = 153,898

If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 153,898 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:

1 2 3 153,898 230,847 461,694
-1 -2 -3 -153,898 -230,847 -461,694

Let's try dividing by 4:

461,694 ÷ 4 = 115,423.5

If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 115,423.5 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 2 3 153,898 230,847 461,694
-1 -2 -3 -153,898 -230,847 461,694
Keep dividing by the next highest number until you cannot divide anymore.

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

123676,949153,898230,847461,694
-1-2-3-6-76,949-153,898-230,847-461,694

More Examples

Here are some more numbers to try:

Try the factor calculator

Explore more about the number 461,694:


Ask a Question