Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 842,971?
A:
Positive:
1 x 84297137 x 22783
Negative:
-1 x -842971-37 x -22783
A:
Positive:
1 x 84297137 x 22783
Negative:
-1 x -842971-37 x -22783
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 842,971, 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 | 842,971 | |
-1 | -842,971 |
When you multiply two negative numbers together, you get a positive number. That means both the positive and negative numbers are factors of 842,971.
Example:
1 x 842,971 = 842,971
and
-1 x -842,971 = 842,971
Notice both answers equal 842,971
With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 842,971 and divide it by 2:
842,971 ÷ 2 = 421,485.5
If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 421,485.5 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 | 842,971 | |
-1 | -842,971 |
Now, we try dividing 842,971 by 3:
842,971 ÷ 3 = 280,990.3333
If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 280,990.3333 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 | 842,971 | |
-1 | -842,971 |
Let's try dividing by 4:
842,971 ÷ 4 = 210,742.75
If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 210,742.75 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 | 842,971 | |
-1 | 842,971 |
If you did it right, you will end up with this table:
1 | 37 | 22,783 | 842,971 |
-1 | -37 | -22,783 | -842,971 |
Here are some more numbers to try:
Try the factor calculator