Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 864,835?

 A:
Positive:   1 x 8648355 x 172967269 x 3215643 x 1345
Negative: -1 x -864835-5 x -172967-269 x -3215-643 x -1345


How do I find the factor combinations of the number 864,835?

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 864,835, 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.

1 864,835
-1 -864,835

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 864,835.

Example:
1 x 864,835 = 864,835
and
-1 x -864,835 = 864,835
Notice both answers equal 864,835

With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 864,835 and divide it by 2:

864,835 ÷ 2 = 432,417.5

If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 432,417.5 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:

1 864,835
-1 -864,835

Now, we try dividing 864,835 by 3:

864,835 ÷ 3 = 288,278.3333

If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 288,278.3333 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:

1 864,835
-1 -864,835

Let's try dividing by 4:

864,835 ÷ 4 = 216,208.75

If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 216,208.75 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:

1 864,835
-1 864,835
Keep dividing by the next highest number until you cannot divide anymore.

If you did it right, you will end up with this table:

152696431,3453,215172,967864,835
-1-5-269-643-1,345-3,215-172,967-864,835

More Examples

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