Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 748,876?

 A:
Positive:   1 x 7488762 x 3744384 x 187219
Negative: -1 x -748876-2 x -374438-4 x -187219


How do I find the factor combinations of the number 748,876?

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 748,876, 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.

1 748,876
-1 -748,876

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 748,876.

Example:
1 x 748,876 = 748,876
and
-1 x -748,876 = 748,876
Notice both answers equal 748,876

With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 748,876 and divide it by 2:

748,876 ÷ 2 = 374,438

If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 374,438 are factors. In this case, the quotient is a whole number. Write them in the table inside the other two factors like the below example. Don't forget to write the negative numbers too!

Here is what our table should look like at this step:

1 2 374,438 748,876
-1 -2 -374,438 -748,876

Now, we try dividing 748,876 by 3:

748,876 ÷ 3 = 249,625.3333

If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 249,625.3333 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 2 374,438 748,876
-1 -2 -374,438 -748,876

Let's try dividing by 4:

748,876 ÷ 4 = 187,219

If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 187,219 are factors. In this case, the quotient is a whole number. Write them in the table inside the other two factors like the below example. Don't forget to write the negative numbers too!

Here is what our table should look like at this step:

1 2 4 187,219 374,438 748,876
-1 -2 -4 -187,219 -374,438 748,876
Keep dividing by the next highest number until you cannot divide anymore.

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

124187,219374,438748,876
-1-2-4-187,219-374,438-748,876

More Examples

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