Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 477,427?

 A:
Positive:   1 x 47742729 x 16463101 x 4727163 x 2929
Negative: -1 x -477427-29 x -16463-101 x -4727-163 x -2929


How do I find the factor combinations of the number 477,427?

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 477,427, 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.

1 477,427
-1 -477,427

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 477,427.

Example:
1 x 477,427 = 477,427
and
-1 x -477,427 = 477,427
Notice both answers equal 477,427

With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 477,427 and divide it by 2:

477,427 ÷ 2 = 238,713.5

If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 238,713.5 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:

1 477,427
-1 -477,427

Now, we try dividing 477,427 by 3:

477,427 ÷ 3 = 159,142.3333

If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 159,142.3333 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:

1 477,427
-1 -477,427

Let's try dividing by 4:

477,427 ÷ 4 = 119,356.75

If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 119,356.75 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:

1 477,427
-1 477,427
Keep dividing by the next highest number until you cannot divide anymore.

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

1291011632,9294,72716,463477,427
-1-29-101-163-2,929-4,727-16,463-477,427

More Examples

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