Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 488,731?
A:
Positive:
1 x 488731227 x 2153
Negative:
-1 x -488731-227 x -2153
A:
Positive:
1 x 488731227 x 2153
Negative:
-1 x -488731-227 x -2153
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 488,731, 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 | 488,731 | |
-1 | -488,731 |
When you multiply two negative numbers together, you get a positive number. That means both the positive and negative numbers are factors of 488,731.
Example:
1 x 488,731 = 488,731
and
-1 x -488,731 = 488,731
Notice both answers equal 488,731
With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 488,731 and divide it by 2:
488,731 ÷ 2 = 244,365.5
If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 244,365.5 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 | 488,731 | |
-1 | -488,731 |
Now, we try dividing 488,731 by 3:
488,731 ÷ 3 = 162,910.3333
If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 162,910.3333 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 | 488,731 | |
-1 | -488,731 |
Let's try dividing by 4:
488,731 ÷ 4 = 122,182.75
If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 122,182.75 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 | 488,731 | |
-1 | 488,731 |
If you did it right, you will end up with this table:
1 | 227 | 2,153 | 488,731 |
-1 | -227 | -2,153 | -488,731 |
Here are some more numbers to try:
Try the factor calculator