Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 470,605?
A:
Positive:
1 x 4706055 x 94121
Negative:
-1 x -470605-5 x -94121
A:
Positive:
1 x 4706055 x 94121
Negative:
-1 x -470605-5 x -94121
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 470,605, 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 | 470,605 | |
-1 | -470,605 |
When you multiply two negative numbers together, you get a positive number. That means both the positive and negative numbers are factors of 470,605.
Example:
1 x 470,605 = 470,605
and
-1 x -470,605 = 470,605
Notice both answers equal 470,605
With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 470,605 and divide it by 2:
470,605 ÷ 2 = 235,302.5
If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 235,302.5 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 | 470,605 | |
-1 | -470,605 |
Now, we try dividing 470,605 by 3:
470,605 ÷ 3 = 156,868.3333
If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 156,868.3333 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 | 470,605 | |
-1 | -470,605 |
Let's try dividing by 4:
470,605 ÷ 4 = 117,651.25
If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 117,651.25 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 | 470,605 | |
-1 | 470,605 |
If you did it right, you will end up with this table:
1 | 5 | 94,121 | 470,605 |
-1 | -5 | -94,121 | -470,605 |
Here are some more numbers to try:
Try the factor calculator