Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 856,465?
A:
Positive:
1 x 8564655 x 171293
Negative:
-1 x -856465-5 x -171293
A:
Positive:
1 x 8564655 x 171293
Negative:
-1 x -856465-5 x -171293
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 856,465, 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 | 856,465 | |
-1 | -856,465 |
When you multiply two negative numbers together, you get a positive number. That means both the positive and negative numbers are factors of 856,465.
Example:
1 x 856,465 = 856,465
and
-1 x -856,465 = 856,465
Notice both answers equal 856,465
With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 856,465 and divide it by 2:
856,465 ÷ 2 = 428,232.5
If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 428,232.5 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 | 856,465 | |
-1 | -856,465 |
Now, we try dividing 856,465 by 3:
856,465 ÷ 3 = 285,488.3333
If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 285,488.3333 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 | 856,465 | |
-1 | -856,465 |
Let's try dividing by 4:
856,465 ÷ 4 = 214,116.25
If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 214,116.25 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 | 856,465 | |
-1 | 856,465 |
If you did it right, you will end up with this table:
1 | 5 | 171,293 | 856,465 |
-1 | -5 | -171,293 | -856,465 |
Here are some more numbers to try:
Try the factor calculator