Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 478,673?
A:
Positive:
1 x 47867313 x 36821
Negative:
-1 x -478673-13 x -36821
A:
Positive:
1 x 47867313 x 36821
Negative:
-1 x -478673-13 x -36821
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 478,673, 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 | 478,673 | |
-1 | -478,673 |
When you multiply two negative numbers together, you get a positive number. That means both the positive and negative numbers are factors of 478,673.
Example:
1 x 478,673 = 478,673
and
-1 x -478,673 = 478,673
Notice both answers equal 478,673
With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 478,673 and divide it by 2:
478,673 ÷ 2 = 239,336.5
If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 239,336.5 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 | 478,673 | |
-1 | -478,673 |
Now, we try dividing 478,673 by 3:
478,673 ÷ 3 = 159,557.6667
If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 159,557.6667 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 | 478,673 | |
-1 | -478,673 |
Let's try dividing by 4:
478,673 ÷ 4 = 119,668.25
If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 119,668.25 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 | 478,673 | |
-1 | 478,673 |
If you did it right, you will end up with this table:
1 | 13 | 36,821 | 478,673 |
-1 | -13 | -36,821 | -478,673 |
Here are some more numbers to try:
Try the factor calculator