Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 729,401?
A:
Positive:
1 x 729401653 x 1117
Negative:
-1 x -729401-653 x -1117
A:
Positive:
1 x 729401653 x 1117
Negative:
-1 x -729401-653 x -1117
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 729,401, 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 | 729,401 | |
-1 | -729,401 |
When you multiply two negative numbers together, you get a positive number. That means both the positive and negative numbers are factors of 729,401.
Example:
1 x 729,401 = 729,401
and
-1 x -729,401 = 729,401
Notice both answers equal 729,401
With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 729,401 and divide it by 2:
729,401 ÷ 2 = 364,700.5
If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 364,700.5 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 | 729,401 | |
-1 | -729,401 |
Now, we try dividing 729,401 by 3:
729,401 ÷ 3 = 243,133.6667
If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 243,133.6667 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 | 729,401 | |
-1 | -729,401 |
Let's try dividing by 4:
729,401 ÷ 4 = 182,350.25
If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 182,350.25 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 | 729,401 | |
-1 | 729,401 |
If you did it right, you will end up with this table:
1 | 653 | 1,117 | 729,401 |
-1 | -653 | -1,117 | -729,401 |
Here are some more numbers to try:
Try the factor calculator