Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 733,837?

 A:
Positive:   1 x 73383713 x 5644919 x 38623247 x 2971
Negative: -1 x -733837-13 x -56449-19 x -38623-247 x -2971


How do I find the factor combinations of the number 733,837?

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 733,837, 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.

1 733,837
-1 -733,837

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 733,837.

Example:
1 x 733,837 = 733,837
and
-1 x -733,837 = 733,837
Notice both answers equal 733,837

With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 733,837 and divide it by 2:

733,837 ÷ 2 = 366,918.5

If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 366,918.5 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:

1 733,837
-1 -733,837

Now, we try dividing 733,837 by 3:

733,837 ÷ 3 = 244,612.3333

If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 244,612.3333 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:

1 733,837
-1 -733,837

Let's try dividing by 4:

733,837 ÷ 4 = 183,459.25

If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 183,459.25 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:

1 733,837
-1 733,837
Keep dividing by the next highest number until you cannot divide anymore.

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

113192472,97138,62356,449733,837
-1-13-19-247-2,971-38,623-56,449-733,837

More Examples

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