Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 462,923?

 A:
Positive:   1 x 46292331 x 14933109 x 4247137 x 3379
Negative: -1 x -462923-31 x -14933-109 x -4247-137 x -3379


How do I find the factor combinations of the number 462,923?

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 462,923, 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.

1 462,923
-1 -462,923

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 462,923.

Example:
1 x 462,923 = 462,923
and
-1 x -462,923 = 462,923
Notice both answers equal 462,923

With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 462,923 and divide it by 2:

462,923 ÷ 2 = 231,461.5

If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 231,461.5 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:

1 462,923
-1 -462,923

Now, we try dividing 462,923 by 3:

462,923 ÷ 3 = 154,307.6667

If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 154,307.6667 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:

1 462,923
-1 -462,923

Let's try dividing by 4:

462,923 ÷ 4 = 115,730.75

If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 115,730.75 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:

1 462,923
-1 462,923
Keep dividing by the next highest number until you cannot divide anymore.

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

1311091373,3794,24714,933462,923
-1-31-109-137-3,379-4,247-14,933-462,923

More Examples

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