Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 842,027?

 A:
Positive:   1 x 84202717 x 49531
Negative: -1 x -842027-17 x -49531


How do I find the factor combinations of the number 842,027?

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 842,027, 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.

1 842,027
-1 -842,027

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 842,027.

Example:
1 x 842,027 = 842,027
and
-1 x -842,027 = 842,027
Notice both answers equal 842,027

With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 842,027 and divide it by 2:

842,027 ÷ 2 = 421,013.5

If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 421,013.5 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:

1 842,027
-1 -842,027

Now, we try dividing 842,027 by 3:

842,027 ÷ 3 = 280,675.6667

If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 280,675.6667 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:

1 842,027
-1 -842,027

Let's try dividing by 4:

842,027 ÷ 4 = 210,506.75

If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 210,506.75 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:

1 842,027
-1 842,027
Keep dividing by the next highest number until you cannot divide anymore.

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

11749,531842,027
-1-17-49,531-842,027

More Examples

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