Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 746,341?

 A:
Positive:   1 x 746341149 x 5009
Negative: -1 x -746341-149 x -5009


How do I find the factor combinations of the number 746,341?

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 746,341, 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.

1 746,341
-1 -746,341

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 746,341.

Example:
1 x 746,341 = 746,341
and
-1 x -746,341 = 746,341
Notice both answers equal 746,341

With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 746,341 and divide it by 2:

746,341 ÷ 2 = 373,170.5

If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 373,170.5 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:

1 746,341
-1 -746,341

Now, we try dividing 746,341 by 3:

746,341 ÷ 3 = 248,780.3333

If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 248,780.3333 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:

1 746,341
-1 -746,341

Let's try dividing by 4:

746,341 ÷ 4 = 186,585.25

If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 186,585.25 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:

1 746,341
-1 746,341
Keep dividing by the next highest number until you cannot divide anymore.

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

11495,009746,341
-1-149-5,009-746,341

More Examples

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