Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 492,791?
A:
Positive:
1 x 49279113 x 37907
Negative:
-1 x -492791-13 x -37907
A:
Positive:
1 x 49279113 x 37907
Negative:
-1 x -492791-13 x -37907
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 492,791, 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 | 492,791 | |
-1 | -492,791 |
When you multiply two negative numbers together, you get a positive number. That means both the positive and negative numbers are factors of 492,791.
Example:
1 x 492,791 = 492,791
and
-1 x -492,791 = 492,791
Notice both answers equal 492,791
With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 492,791 and divide it by 2:
492,791 ÷ 2 = 246,395.5
If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 246,395.5 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 | 492,791 | |
-1 | -492,791 |
Now, we try dividing 492,791 by 3:
492,791 ÷ 3 = 164,263.6667
If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 164,263.6667 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 | 492,791 | |
-1 | -492,791 |
Let's try dividing by 4:
492,791 ÷ 4 = 123,197.75
If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 123,197.75 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 | 492,791 | |
-1 | 492,791 |
If you did it right, you will end up with this table:
1 | 13 | 37,907 | 492,791 |
-1 | -13 | -37,907 | -492,791 |
Here are some more numbers to try:
Try the factor calculator