Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 720,737?

 A:
Positive:   1 x 72073729 x 24853841 x 857
Negative: -1 x -720737-29 x -24853-841 x -857


How do I find the factor combinations of the number 720,737?

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 720,737, 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.

1 720,737
-1 -720,737

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 720,737.

Example:
1 x 720,737 = 720,737
and
-1 x -720,737 = 720,737
Notice both answers equal 720,737

With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 720,737 and divide it by 2:

720,737 ÷ 2 = 360,368.5

If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 360,368.5 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:

1 720,737
-1 -720,737

Now, we try dividing 720,737 by 3:

720,737 ÷ 3 = 240,245.6667

If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 240,245.6667 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:

1 720,737
-1 -720,737

Let's try dividing by 4:

720,737 ÷ 4 = 180,184.25

If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 180,184.25 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:

1 720,737
-1 720,737
Keep dividing by the next highest number until you cannot divide anymore.

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

12984185724,853720,737
-1-29-841-857-24,853-720,737

More Examples

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