Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 736,901?

 A:
Positive:   1 x 73690111 x 6699131 x 23771341 x 2161
Negative: -1 x -736901-11 x -66991-31 x -23771-341 x -2161


How do I find the factor combinations of the number 736,901?

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 736,901, 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.

1 736,901
-1 -736,901

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 736,901.

Example:
1 x 736,901 = 736,901
and
-1 x -736,901 = 736,901
Notice both answers equal 736,901

With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 736,901 and divide it by 2:

736,901 ÷ 2 = 368,450.5

If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 368,450.5 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:

1 736,901
-1 -736,901

Now, we try dividing 736,901 by 3:

736,901 ÷ 3 = 245,633.6667

If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 245,633.6667 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:

1 736,901
-1 -736,901

Let's try dividing by 4:

736,901 ÷ 4 = 184,225.25

If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 184,225.25 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:

1 736,901
-1 736,901
Keep dividing by the next highest number until you cannot divide anymore.

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

111313412,16123,77166,991736,901
-1-11-31-341-2,161-23,771-66,991-736,901

More Examples

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