Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 727,187?
A:
Positive:
1 x 72718719 x 38273
Negative:
-1 x -727187-19 x -38273
A:
Positive:
1 x 72718719 x 38273
Negative:
-1 x -727187-19 x -38273
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 727,187, 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 | 727,187 | |
-1 | -727,187 |
When you multiply two negative numbers together, you get a positive number. That means both the positive and negative numbers are factors of 727,187.
Example:
1 x 727,187 = 727,187
and
-1 x -727,187 = 727,187
Notice both answers equal 727,187
With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 727,187 and divide it by 2:
727,187 ÷ 2 = 363,593.5
If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 363,593.5 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 | 727,187 | |
-1 | -727,187 |
Now, we try dividing 727,187 by 3:
727,187 ÷ 3 = 242,395.6667
If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 242,395.6667 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 | 727,187 | |
-1 | -727,187 |
Let's try dividing by 4:
727,187 ÷ 4 = 181,796.75
If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 181,796.75 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 | 727,187 | |
-1 | 727,187 |
If you did it right, you will end up with this table:
1 | 19 | 38,273 | 727,187 |
-1 | -19 | -38,273 | -727,187 |
Here are some more numbers to try:
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