Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 470,827?

 A:
Positive:   1 x 4708277 x 67261
Negative: -1 x -470827-7 x -67261


How do I find the factor combinations of the number 470,827?

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 470,827, 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.

1 470,827
-1 -470,827

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 470,827.

Example:
1 x 470,827 = 470,827
and
-1 x -470,827 = 470,827
Notice both answers equal 470,827

With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 470,827 and divide it by 2:

470,827 ÷ 2 = 235,413.5

If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 235,413.5 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:

1 470,827
-1 -470,827

Now, we try dividing 470,827 by 3:

470,827 ÷ 3 = 156,942.3333

If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 156,942.3333 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:

1 470,827
-1 -470,827

Let's try dividing by 4:

470,827 ÷ 4 = 117,706.75

If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 117,706.75 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:

1 470,827
-1 470,827
Keep dividing by the next highest number until you cannot divide anymore.

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

1767,261470,827
-1-7-67,261-470,827

More Examples

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