Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 857,231?
A:
Positive:
1 x 857231179 x 4789
Negative:
-1 x -857231-179 x -4789
A:
Positive:
1 x 857231179 x 4789
Negative:
-1 x -857231-179 x -4789
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 857,231, 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 | 857,231 | |
-1 | -857,231 |
When you multiply two negative numbers together, you get a positive number. That means both the positive and negative numbers are factors of 857,231.
Example:
1 x 857,231 = 857,231
and
-1 x -857,231 = 857,231
Notice both answers equal 857,231
With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 857,231 and divide it by 2:
857,231 ÷ 2 = 428,615.5
If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 428,615.5 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 | 857,231 | |
-1 | -857,231 |
Now, we try dividing 857,231 by 3:
857,231 ÷ 3 = 285,743.6667
If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 285,743.6667 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 | 857,231 | |
-1 | -857,231 |
Let's try dividing by 4:
857,231 ÷ 4 = 214,307.75
If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 214,307.75 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 | 857,231 | |
-1 | 857,231 |
If you did it right, you will end up with this table:
1 | 179 | 4,789 | 857,231 |
-1 | -179 | -4,789 | -857,231 |
Here are some more numbers to try:
Try the factor calculator