Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 471,221?
A:
Positive:
1 x 47122129 x 16249
Negative:
-1 x -471221-29 x -16249
A:
Positive:
1 x 47122129 x 16249
Negative:
-1 x -471221-29 x -16249
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 471,221, 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 | 471,221 | |
-1 | -471,221 |
When you multiply two negative numbers together, you get a positive number. That means both the positive and negative numbers are factors of 471,221.
Example:
1 x 471,221 = 471,221
and
-1 x -471,221 = 471,221
Notice both answers equal 471,221
With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 471,221 and divide it by 2:
471,221 ÷ 2 = 235,610.5
If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 235,610.5 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 | 471,221 | |
-1 | -471,221 |
Now, we try dividing 471,221 by 3:
471,221 ÷ 3 = 157,073.6667
If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 157,073.6667 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 | 471,221 | |
-1 | -471,221 |
Let's try dividing by 4:
471,221 ÷ 4 = 117,805.25
If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 117,805.25 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 | 471,221 | |
-1 | 471,221 |
If you did it right, you will end up with this table:
1 | 29 | 16,249 | 471,221 |
-1 | -29 | -16,249 | -471,221 |
Here are some more numbers to try:
Try the factor calculator