Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 786,641?
A:
Positive:
1 x 78664117 x 46273
Negative:
-1 x -786641-17 x -46273
A:
Positive:
1 x 78664117 x 46273
Negative:
-1 x -786641-17 x -46273
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 786,641, it is easier to work with a table - it's called factoring from the outside in.
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 | 786,641 | |
-1 | -786,641 |
When you multiply two negative numbers together, you get a positive number. That means both the positive and negative numbers are factors of 786,641.
Example:
1 x 786,641 = 786,641
and
-1 x -786,641 = 786,641
Notice both answers equal 786,641
With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 786,641 and divide it by 2:
786,641 ÷ 2 = 393,320.5
If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 393,320.5 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 | 786,641 | |
-1 | -786,641 |
Now, we try dividing 786,641 by 3:
786,641 ÷ 3 = 262,213.6667
If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 262,213.6667 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 | 786,641 | |
-1 | -786,641 |
Let's try dividing by 4:
786,641 ÷ 4 = 196,660.25
If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 196,660.25 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 | 786,641 | |
-1 | 786,641 |
If you did it right, you will end up with this table:
1 | 17 | 46,273 | 786,641 |
-1 | -17 | -46,273 | -786,641 |
Here are some more numbers to try:
Try the factor calculator