Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 492,875?

 A:
Positive:   1 x 4928755 x 9857525 x 19715125 x 3943
Negative: -1 x -492875-5 x -98575-25 x -19715-125 x -3943


How do I find the factor combinations of the number 492,875?

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 492,875, 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.

1 492,875
-1 -492,875

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 492,875.

Example:
1 x 492,875 = 492,875
and
-1 x -492,875 = 492,875
Notice both answers equal 492,875

With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 492,875 and divide it by 2:

492,875 ÷ 2 = 246,437.5

If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 246,437.5 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:

1 492,875
-1 -492,875

Now, we try dividing 492,875 by 3:

492,875 ÷ 3 = 164,291.6667

If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 164,291.6667 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:

1 492,875
-1 -492,875

Let's try dividing by 4:

492,875 ÷ 4 = 123,218.75

If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 123,218.75 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:

1 492,875
-1 492,875
Keep dividing by the next highest number until you cannot divide anymore.

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

15251253,94319,71598,575492,875
-1-5-25-125-3,943-19,715-98,575-492,875

More Examples

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