Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 786,671?

 A:
Positive:   1 x 78667189 x 8839
Negative: -1 x -786671-89 x -8839


How do I find the factor combinations of the number 786,671?

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 786,671, 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.

1 786,671
-1 -786,671

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 786,671.

Example:
1 x 786,671 = 786,671
and
-1 x -786,671 = 786,671
Notice both answers equal 786,671

With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 786,671 and divide it by 2:

786,671 ÷ 2 = 393,335.5

If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 393,335.5 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:

1 786,671
-1 -786,671

Now, we try dividing 786,671 by 3:

786,671 ÷ 3 = 262,223.6667

If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 262,223.6667 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:

1 786,671
-1 -786,671

Let's try dividing by 4:

786,671 ÷ 4 = 196,667.75

If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 196,667.75 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:

1 786,671
-1 786,671
Keep dividing by the next highest number until you cannot divide anymore.

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

1898,839786,671
-1-89-8,839-786,671

More Examples

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