Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 741,217?

 A:
Positive:   1 x 74121717 x 4360159 x 12563739 x 1003
Negative: -1 x -741217-17 x -43601-59 x -12563-739 x -1003


How do I find the factor combinations of the number 741,217?

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 741,217, 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.

1 741,217
-1 -741,217

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 741,217.

Example:
1 x 741,217 = 741,217
and
-1 x -741,217 = 741,217
Notice both answers equal 741,217

With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 741,217 and divide it by 2:

741,217 ÷ 2 = 370,608.5

If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 370,608.5 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:

1 741,217
-1 -741,217

Now, we try dividing 741,217 by 3:

741,217 ÷ 3 = 247,072.3333

If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 247,072.3333 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:

1 741,217
-1 -741,217

Let's try dividing by 4:

741,217 ÷ 4 = 185,304.25

If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 185,304.25 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:

1 741,217
-1 741,217
Keep dividing by the next highest number until you cannot divide anymore.

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

117597391,00312,56343,601741,217
-1-17-59-739-1,003-12,563-43,601-741,217

More Examples

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