How do I find the factor combinations of the number 864,768?
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 864,768, it is easier to work with a table - it's called factoring from the outside in.
Outside in Factoring
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.
Why are the negative numbers included?
When you multiply two negative numbers together, you get a positive number. That means both the positive and negative numbers are factors of 864,768.
Example:
1 x 864,768 = 864,768
and
-1 x -864,768 = 864,768
Notice both answers equal 864,768
With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 864,768 and divide it by 2:
864,768 ÷ 2 = 432,384
If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 432,384 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:
Now, we try dividing 864,768 by 3:
864,768 ÷ 3 = 288,256
If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 288,256 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:
Let's try dividing by 4:
864,768 ÷ 4 = 216,192
If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 216,192 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:
Keep dividing by the next highest number until you cannot divide anymore.
If you did it right, you will end up with this table:
More Examples
Here are some more numbers to try:
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