Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 734,921?

 A:
Positive:   1 x 73492111 x 6681171 x 10351781 x 941
Negative: -1 x -734921-11 x -66811-71 x -10351-781 x -941


How do I find the factor combinations of the number 734,921?

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 734,921, 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.

1 734,921
-1 -734,921

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 734,921.

Example:
1 x 734,921 = 734,921
and
-1 x -734,921 = 734,921
Notice both answers equal 734,921

With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 734,921 and divide it by 2:

734,921 ÷ 2 = 367,460.5

If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 367,460.5 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:

1 734,921
-1 -734,921

Now, we try dividing 734,921 by 3:

734,921 ÷ 3 = 244,973.6667

If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 244,973.6667 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:

1 734,921
-1 -734,921

Let's try dividing by 4:

734,921 ÷ 4 = 183,730.25

If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 183,730.25 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:

1 734,921
-1 734,921
Keep dividing by the next highest number until you cannot divide anymore.

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

1117178194110,35166,811734,921
-1-11-71-781-941-10,351-66,811-734,921

More Examples

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