Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 7,496,821?

 A:
Positive:   1 x 7496821
Negative: -1 x -7496821


How do I find the factor combinations of the number 7,496,821?

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 7,496,821, 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 7,496,821
-1 -7,496,821

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 7,496,821.

Example:
1 x 7,496,821 = 7,496,821
and
-1 x -7,496,821 = 7,496,821
Notice both answers equal 7,496,821

With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 7,496,821 and divide it by 2:

7,496,821 ÷ 2 = 3,748,410.5

If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 3,748,410.5 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 7,496,821
-1 -7,496,821

Now, we try dividing 7,496,821 by 3:

7,496,821 ÷ 3 = 2,498,940.3333

If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 2,498,940.3333 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 7,496,821
-1 -7,496,821

Let's try dividing by 4:

7,496,821 ÷ 4 = 1,874,205.25

If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 1,874,205.25 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 7,496,821
-1 7,496,821
Keep dividing by the next highest number until you cannot divide anymore.

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

17,496,821
-1-7,496,821

More Examples

Here are some more numbers to try:

Try the factor calculator

Explore more about the number 7,496,821:


Ask a Question