Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 834,481?
A:
Positive:
1 x 834481401 x 2081
Negative:
-1 x -834481-401 x -2081
A:
Positive:
1 x 834481401 x 2081
Negative:
-1 x -834481-401 x -2081
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 834,481, 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 | 834,481 | |
-1 | -834,481 |
When you multiply two negative numbers together, you get a positive number. That means both the positive and negative numbers are factors of 834,481.
Example:
1 x 834,481 = 834,481
and
-1 x -834,481 = 834,481
Notice both answers equal 834,481
With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 834,481 and divide it by 2:
834,481 ÷ 2 = 417,240.5
If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 417,240.5 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 | 834,481 | |
-1 | -834,481 |
Now, we try dividing 834,481 by 3:
834,481 ÷ 3 = 278,160.3333
If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 278,160.3333 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 | 834,481 | |
-1 | -834,481 |
Let's try dividing by 4:
834,481 ÷ 4 = 208,620.25
If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 208,620.25 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 | 834,481 | |
-1 | 834,481 |
If you did it right, you will end up with this table:
1 | 401 | 2,081 | 834,481 |
-1 | -401 | -2,081 | -834,481 |
Here are some more numbers to try:
Try the factor calculator