Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 746,501?

 A:
Positive:   1 x 7465017 x 10664347 x 15883329 x 2269
Negative: -1 x -746501-7 x -106643-47 x -15883-329 x -2269


How do I find the factor combinations of the number 746,501?

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 746,501, 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.

1 746,501
-1 -746,501

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 746,501.

Example:
1 x 746,501 = 746,501
and
-1 x -746,501 = 746,501
Notice both answers equal 746,501

With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 746,501 and divide it by 2:

746,501 ÷ 2 = 373,250.5

If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 373,250.5 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:

1 746,501
-1 -746,501

Now, we try dividing 746,501 by 3:

746,501 ÷ 3 = 248,833.6667

If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 248,833.6667 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:

1 746,501
-1 -746,501

Let's try dividing by 4:

746,501 ÷ 4 = 186,625.25

If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 186,625.25 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:

1 746,501
-1 746,501
Keep dividing by the next highest number until you cannot divide anymore.

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

17473292,26915,883106,643746,501
-1-7-47-329-2,269-15,883-106,643-746,501

More Examples

Here are some more numbers to try:

Try the factor calculator

Explore more about the number 746,501:


Ask a Question