Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 732,085?
A:
Positive:
1 x 7320855 x 146417
Negative:
-1 x -732085-5 x -146417
A:
Positive:
1 x 7320855 x 146417
Negative:
-1 x -732085-5 x -146417
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 732,085, 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 | 732,085 | |
-1 | -732,085 |
When you multiply two negative numbers together, you get a positive number. That means both the positive and negative numbers are factors of 732,085.
Example:
1 x 732,085 = 732,085
and
-1 x -732,085 = 732,085
Notice both answers equal 732,085
With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 732,085 and divide it by 2:
732,085 ÷ 2 = 366,042.5
If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 366,042.5 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 | 732,085 | |
-1 | -732,085 |
Now, we try dividing 732,085 by 3:
732,085 ÷ 3 = 244,028.3333
If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 244,028.3333 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 | 732,085 | |
-1 | -732,085 |
Let's try dividing by 4:
732,085 ÷ 4 = 183,021.25
If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 183,021.25 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 | 732,085 | |
-1 | 732,085 |
If you did it right, you will end up with this table:
1 | 5 | 146,417 | 732,085 |
-1 | -5 | -146,417 | -732,085 |
Here are some more numbers to try:
Try the factor calculator