Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 846,641?
A:
Positive:
1 x 84664131 x 27311881 x 961
Negative:
-1 x -846641-31 x -27311-881 x -961
A:
Positive:
1 x 84664131 x 27311881 x 961
Negative:
-1 x -846641-31 x -27311-881 x -961
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 846,641, 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 | 846,641 | |
-1 | -846,641 |
When you multiply two negative numbers together, you get a positive number. That means both the positive and negative numbers are factors of 846,641.
Example:
1 x 846,641 = 846,641
and
-1 x -846,641 = 846,641
Notice both answers equal 846,641
With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 846,641 and divide it by 2:
846,641 ÷ 2 = 423,320.5
If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 423,320.5 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 | 846,641 | |
-1 | -846,641 |
Now, we try dividing 846,641 by 3:
846,641 ÷ 3 = 282,213.6667
If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 282,213.6667 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 | 846,641 | |
-1 | -846,641 |
Let's try dividing by 4:
846,641 ÷ 4 = 211,660.25
If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 211,660.25 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 | 846,641 | |
-1 | 846,641 |
If you did it right, you will end up with this table:
1 | 31 | 881 | 961 | 27,311 | 846,641 |
-1 | -31 | -881 | -961 | -27,311 | -846,641 |
Here are some more numbers to try:
Try the factor calculator