Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 742,843,457?
A:
Positive:
1 x 742843457733 x 1013429
Negative:
-1 x -742843457-733 x -1013429
A:
Positive:
1 x 742843457733 x 1013429
Negative:
-1 x -742843457-733 x -1013429
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 742,843,457, 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 | 742,843,457 | |
-1 | -742,843,457 |
When you multiply two negative numbers together, you get a positive number. That means both the positive and negative numbers are factors of 742,843,457.
Example:
1 x 742,843,457 = 742,843,457
and
-1 x -742,843,457 = 742,843,457
Notice both answers equal 742,843,457
With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 742,843,457 and divide it by 2:
742,843,457 ÷ 2 = 371,421,728.5
If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 371,421,728.5 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 | 742,843,457 | |
-1 | -742,843,457 |
Now, we try dividing 742,843,457 by 3:
742,843,457 ÷ 3 = 247,614,485.6667
If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 247,614,485.6667 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 | 742,843,457 | |
-1 | -742,843,457 |
Let's try dividing by 4:
742,843,457 ÷ 4 = 185,710,864.25
If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 185,710,864.25 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 | 742,843,457 | |
-1 | 742,843,457 |
If you did it right, you will end up with this table:
1 | 733 | 1,013,429 | 742,843,457 |
-1 | -733 | -1,013,429 | -742,843,457 |
Here are some more numbers to try:
Try the factor calculator