Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 491,821?
A:
Positive:
1 x 49182111 x 44711
Negative:
-1 x -491821-11 x -44711
A:
Positive:
1 x 49182111 x 44711
Negative:
-1 x -491821-11 x -44711
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 491,821, 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 | 491,821 | |
-1 | -491,821 |
When you multiply two negative numbers together, you get a positive number. That means both the positive and negative numbers are factors of 491,821.
Example:
1 x 491,821 = 491,821
and
-1 x -491,821 = 491,821
Notice both answers equal 491,821
With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 491,821 and divide it by 2:
491,821 ÷ 2 = 245,910.5
If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 245,910.5 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 | 491,821 | |
-1 | -491,821 |
Now, we try dividing 491,821 by 3:
491,821 ÷ 3 = 163,940.3333
If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 163,940.3333 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 | 491,821 | |
-1 | -491,821 |
Let's try dividing by 4:
491,821 ÷ 4 = 122,955.25
If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 122,955.25 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 | 491,821 | |
-1 | 491,821 |
If you did it right, you will end up with this table:
1 | 11 | 44,711 | 491,821 |
-1 | -11 | -44,711 | -491,821 |
Here are some more numbers to try:
Try the factor calculator