Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 857,271?
A:
Positive:
1 x 8572713 x 285757
Negative:
-1 x -857271-3 x -285757
A:
Positive:
1 x 8572713 x 285757
Negative:
-1 x -857271-3 x -285757
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 857,271, 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 | 857,271 | |
-1 | -857,271 |
When you multiply two negative numbers together, you get a positive number. That means both the positive and negative numbers are factors of 857,271.
Example:
1 x 857,271 = 857,271
and
-1 x -857,271 = 857,271
Notice both answers equal 857,271
With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 857,271 and divide it by 2:
857,271 ÷ 2 = 428,635.5
If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 428,635.5 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 | 857,271 | |
-1 | -857,271 |
Now, we try dividing 857,271 by 3:
857,271 ÷ 3 = 285,757
If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 285,757 are factors. In this case, the quotient is a whole number. Write them in the table inside the other two factors like the below example. Don't forget to write the negative numbers too!
Here is what our table should look like at this step:
1 | 3 | 285,757 | 857,271 | |
-1 | -3 | -285,757 | -857,271 |
Let's try dividing by 4:
857,271 ÷ 4 = 214,317.75
If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 214,317.75 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 | 3 | 285,757 | 857,271 | |
-1 | -3 | -285,757 | 857,271 |
If you did it right, you will end up with this table:
1 | 3 | 285,757 | 857,271 |
-1 | -3 | -285,757 | -857,271 |
Here are some more numbers to try:
Try the factor calculator