Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 783,917?

 A:
Positive:   1 x 78391779 x 9923
Negative: -1 x -783917-79 x -9923


How do I find the factor combinations of the number 783,917?

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 783,917, 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.

1 783,917
-1 -783,917

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 783,917.

Example:
1 x 783,917 = 783,917
and
-1 x -783,917 = 783,917
Notice both answers equal 783,917

With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 783,917 and divide it by 2:

783,917 ÷ 2 = 391,958.5

If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 391,958.5 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:

1 783,917
-1 -783,917

Now, we try dividing 783,917 by 3:

783,917 ÷ 3 = 261,305.6667

If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 261,305.6667 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:

1 783,917
-1 -783,917

Let's try dividing by 4:

783,917 ÷ 4 = 195,979.25

If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 195,979.25 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:

1 783,917
-1 783,917
Keep dividing by the next highest number until you cannot divide anymore.

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

1799,923783,917
-1-79-9,923-783,917

More Examples

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