Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 493,723?
A:
Positive:
1 x 49372367 x 7369
Negative:
-1 x -493723-67 x -7369
A:
Positive:
1 x 49372367 x 7369
Negative:
-1 x -493723-67 x -7369
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 493,723, 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 | 493,723 | |
-1 | -493,723 |
When you multiply two negative numbers together, you get a positive number. That means both the positive and negative numbers are factors of 493,723.
Example:
1 x 493,723 = 493,723
and
-1 x -493,723 = 493,723
Notice both answers equal 493,723
With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 493,723 and divide it by 2:
493,723 ÷ 2 = 246,861.5
If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 246,861.5 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 | 493,723 | |
-1 | -493,723 |
Now, we try dividing 493,723 by 3:
493,723 ÷ 3 = 164,574.3333
If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 164,574.3333 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 | 493,723 | |
-1 | -493,723 |
Let's try dividing by 4:
493,723 ÷ 4 = 123,430.75
If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 123,430.75 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 | 493,723 | |
-1 | 493,723 |
If you did it right, you will end up with this table:
1 | 67 | 7,369 | 493,723 |
-1 | -67 | -7,369 | -493,723 |
Here are some more numbers to try:
Try the factor calculator