Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 5,438,423?
A:
Positive:
1 x 543842331 x 175433
Negative:
-1 x -5438423-31 x -175433
A:
Positive:
1 x 543842331 x 175433
Negative:
-1 x -5438423-31 x -175433
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 5,438,423, 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 | 5,438,423 | |
-1 | -5,438,423 |
When you multiply two negative numbers together, you get a positive number. That means both the positive and negative numbers are factors of 5,438,423.
Example:
1 x 5,438,423 = 5,438,423
and
-1 x -5,438,423 = 5,438,423
Notice both answers equal 5,438,423
With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 5,438,423 and divide it by 2:
5,438,423 ÷ 2 = 2,719,211.5
If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 2,719,211.5 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 | 5,438,423 | |
-1 | -5,438,423 |
Now, we try dividing 5,438,423 by 3:
5,438,423 ÷ 3 = 1,812,807.6667
If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 1,812,807.6667 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 | 5,438,423 | |
-1 | -5,438,423 |
Let's try dividing by 4:
5,438,423 ÷ 4 = 1,359,605.75
If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 1,359,605.75 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 | 5,438,423 | |
-1 | 5,438,423 |
If you did it right, you will end up with this table:
1 | 31 | 175,433 | 5,438,423 |
-1 | -31 | -175,433 | -5,438,423 |
Here are some more numbers to try:
Try the factor calculator