Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 838,883?
A:
Positive:
1 x 83888329 x 28927
Negative:
-1 x -838883-29 x -28927
A:
Positive:
1 x 83888329 x 28927
Negative:
-1 x -838883-29 x -28927
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 838,883, 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 | 838,883 | |
-1 | -838,883 |
When you multiply two negative numbers together, you get a positive number. That means both the positive and negative numbers are factors of 838,883.
Example:
1 x 838,883 = 838,883
and
-1 x -838,883 = 838,883
Notice both answers equal 838,883
With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 838,883 and divide it by 2:
838,883 ÷ 2 = 419,441.5
If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 419,441.5 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 | 838,883 | |
-1 | -838,883 |
Now, we try dividing 838,883 by 3:
838,883 ÷ 3 = 279,627.6667
If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 279,627.6667 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 | 838,883 | |
-1 | -838,883 |
Let's try dividing by 4:
838,883 ÷ 4 = 209,720.75
If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 209,720.75 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 | 838,883 | |
-1 | 838,883 |
If you did it right, you will end up with this table:
1 | 29 | 28,927 | 838,883 |
-1 | -29 | -28,927 | -838,883 |
Here are some more numbers to try:
Try the factor calculator