Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 475,802?

 A:
Positive:   1 x 4758022 x 237901
Negative: -1 x -475802-2 x -237901


How do I find the factor combinations of the number 475,802?

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 475,802, 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.

1 475,802
-1 -475,802

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 475,802.

Example:
1 x 475,802 = 475,802
and
-1 x -475,802 = 475,802
Notice both answers equal 475,802

With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 475,802 and divide it by 2:

475,802 ÷ 2 = 237,901

If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 237,901 are factors. In this case, the quotient is a whole number. Write them in the table inside the other two factors like the below example. Don't forget to write the negative numbers too!

Here is what our table should look like at this step:

1 2 237,901 475,802
-1 -2 -237,901 -475,802

Now, we try dividing 475,802 by 3:

475,802 ÷ 3 = 158,600.6667

If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 158,600.6667 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 2 237,901 475,802
-1 -2 -237,901 -475,802

Let's try dividing by 4:

475,802 ÷ 4 = 118,950.5

If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 118,950.5 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 2 237,901 475,802
-1 -2 -237,901 475,802
Keep dividing by the next highest number until you cannot divide anymore.

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

12237,901475,802
-1-2-237,901-475,802

More Examples

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