Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 840,401?
A:
Positive:
1 x 840401643 x 1307
Negative:
-1 x -840401-643 x -1307
A:
Positive:
1 x 840401643 x 1307
Negative:
-1 x -840401-643 x -1307
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 840,401, 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 | 840,401 | |
-1 | -840,401 |
When you multiply two negative numbers together, you get a positive number. That means both the positive and negative numbers are factors of 840,401.
Example:
1 x 840,401 = 840,401
and
-1 x -840,401 = 840,401
Notice both answers equal 840,401
With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 840,401 and divide it by 2:
840,401 ÷ 2 = 420,200.5
If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 420,200.5 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 | 840,401 | |
-1 | -840,401 |
Now, we try dividing 840,401 by 3:
840,401 ÷ 3 = 280,133.6667
If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 280,133.6667 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 | 840,401 | |
-1 | -840,401 |
Let's try dividing by 4:
840,401 ÷ 4 = 210,100.25
If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 210,100.25 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 | 840,401 | |
-1 | 840,401 |
If you did it right, you will end up with this table:
1 | 643 | 1,307 | 840,401 |
-1 | -643 | -1,307 | -840,401 |
Here are some more numbers to try:
Try the factor calculator