Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 462,341?
A:
Positive:
1 x 46234111 x 42031121 x 3821
Negative:
-1 x -462341-11 x -42031-121 x -3821
A:
Positive:
1 x 46234111 x 42031121 x 3821
Negative:
-1 x -462341-11 x -42031-121 x -3821
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 462,341, 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 | 462,341 | |
-1 | -462,341 |
When you multiply two negative numbers together, you get a positive number. That means both the positive and negative numbers are factors of 462,341.
Example:
1 x 462,341 = 462,341
and
-1 x -462,341 = 462,341
Notice both answers equal 462,341
With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 462,341 and divide it by 2:
462,341 ÷ 2 = 231,170.5
If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 231,170.5 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 | 462,341 | |
-1 | -462,341 |
Now, we try dividing 462,341 by 3:
462,341 ÷ 3 = 154,113.6667
If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 154,113.6667 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 | 462,341 | |
-1 | -462,341 |
Let's try dividing by 4:
462,341 ÷ 4 = 115,585.25
If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 115,585.25 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 | 462,341 | |
-1 | 462,341 |
If you did it right, you will end up with this table:
1 | 11 | 121 | 3,821 | 42,031 | 462,341 |
-1 | -11 | -121 | -3,821 | -42,031 | -462,341 |
Here are some more numbers to try:
Try the factor calculator