Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 462,787?

 A:
Positive:   1 x 46278713 x 3559997 x 4771367 x 1261
Negative: -1 x -462787-13 x -35599-97 x -4771-367 x -1261


How do I find the factor combinations of the number 462,787?

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 462,787, 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.

1 462,787
-1 -462,787

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 462,787.

Example:
1 x 462,787 = 462,787
and
-1 x -462,787 = 462,787
Notice both answers equal 462,787

With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 462,787 and divide it by 2:

462,787 ÷ 2 = 231,393.5

If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 231,393.5 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:

1 462,787
-1 -462,787

Now, we try dividing 462,787 by 3:

462,787 ÷ 3 = 154,262.3333

If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 154,262.3333 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:

1 462,787
-1 -462,787

Let's try dividing by 4:

462,787 ÷ 4 = 115,696.75

If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 115,696.75 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:

1 462,787
-1 462,787
Keep dividing by the next highest number until you cannot divide anymore.

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

113973671,2614,77135,599462,787
-1-13-97-367-1,261-4,771-35,599-462,787

More Examples

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