Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 474,889?
A:
Positive:
1 x 47488931 x 15319
Negative:
-1 x -474889-31 x -15319
A:
Positive:
1 x 47488931 x 15319
Negative:
-1 x -474889-31 x -15319
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 474,889, 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 | 474,889 | |
-1 | -474,889 |
When you multiply two negative numbers together, you get a positive number. That means both the positive and negative numbers are factors of 474,889.
Example:
1 x 474,889 = 474,889
and
-1 x -474,889 = 474,889
Notice both answers equal 474,889
With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 474,889 and divide it by 2:
474,889 ÷ 2 = 237,444.5
If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 237,444.5 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 | 474,889 | |
-1 | -474,889 |
Now, we try dividing 474,889 by 3:
474,889 ÷ 3 = 158,296.3333
If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 158,296.3333 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 | 474,889 | |
-1 | -474,889 |
Let's try dividing by 4:
474,889 ÷ 4 = 118,722.25
If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 118,722.25 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 | 474,889 | |
-1 | 474,889 |
If you did it right, you will end up with this table:
1 | 31 | 15,319 | 474,889 |
-1 | -31 | -15,319 | -474,889 |
Here are some more numbers to try:
Try the factor calculator