Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 472,517?
A:
Positive:
1 x 472517131 x 3607
Negative:
-1 x -472517-131 x -3607
A:
Positive:
1 x 472517131 x 3607
Negative:
-1 x -472517-131 x -3607
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 472,517, 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 | 472,517 | |
-1 | -472,517 |
When you multiply two negative numbers together, you get a positive number. That means both the positive and negative numbers are factors of 472,517.
Example:
1 x 472,517 = 472,517
and
-1 x -472,517 = 472,517
Notice both answers equal 472,517
With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 472,517 and divide it by 2:
472,517 ÷ 2 = 236,258.5
If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 236,258.5 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 | 472,517 | |
-1 | -472,517 |
Now, we try dividing 472,517 by 3:
472,517 ÷ 3 = 157,505.6667
If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 157,505.6667 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 | 472,517 | |
-1 | -472,517 |
Let's try dividing by 4:
472,517 ÷ 4 = 118,129.25
If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 118,129.25 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 | 472,517 | |
-1 | 472,517 |
If you did it right, you will end up with this table:
1 | 131 | 3,607 | 472,517 |
-1 | -131 | -3,607 | -472,517 |
Here are some more numbers to try:
Try the factor calculator