Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 870,941?

 A:
Positive:   1 x 87094119 x 4583923 x 37867437 x 1993
Negative: -1 x -870941-19 x -45839-23 x -37867-437 x -1993


How do I find the factor combinations of the number 870,941?

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 870,941, 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.

1 870,941
-1 -870,941

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 870,941.

Example:
1 x 870,941 = 870,941
and
-1 x -870,941 = 870,941
Notice both answers equal 870,941

With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 870,941 and divide it by 2:

870,941 ÷ 2 = 435,470.5

If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 435,470.5 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:

1 870,941
-1 -870,941

Now, we try dividing 870,941 by 3:

870,941 ÷ 3 = 290,313.6667

If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 290,313.6667 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:

1 870,941
-1 -870,941

Let's try dividing by 4:

870,941 ÷ 4 = 217,735.25

If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 217,735.25 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:

1 870,941
-1 870,941
Keep dividing by the next highest number until you cannot divide anymore.

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

119234371,99337,86745,839870,941
-1-19-23-437-1,993-37,867-45,839-870,941

More Examples

Here are some more numbers to try:

Try the factor calculator

Explore more about the number 870,941:


Ask a Question