Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 492,931?
A:
Positive:
1 x 49293131 x 15901
Negative:
-1 x -492931-31 x -15901
A:
Positive:
1 x 49293131 x 15901
Negative:
-1 x -492931-31 x -15901
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 492,931, 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 | 492,931 | |
-1 | -492,931 |
When you multiply two negative numbers together, you get a positive number. That means both the positive and negative numbers are factors of 492,931.
Example:
1 x 492,931 = 492,931
and
-1 x -492,931 = 492,931
Notice both answers equal 492,931
With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 492,931 and divide it by 2:
492,931 ÷ 2 = 246,465.5
If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 246,465.5 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 | 492,931 | |
-1 | -492,931 |
Now, we try dividing 492,931 by 3:
492,931 ÷ 3 = 164,310.3333
If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 164,310.3333 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 | 492,931 | |
-1 | -492,931 |
Let's try dividing by 4:
492,931 ÷ 4 = 123,232.75
If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 123,232.75 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 | 492,931 | |
-1 | 492,931 |
If you did it right, you will end up with this table:
1 | 31 | 15,901 | 492,931 |
-1 | -31 | -15,901 | -492,931 |
Here are some more numbers to try:
Try the factor calculator