Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 871,889?

 A:
Positive:   1 x 871889467 x 1867
Negative: -1 x -871889-467 x -1867


How do I find the factor combinations of the number 871,889?

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 871,889, 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.

1 871,889
-1 -871,889

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 871,889.

Example:
1 x 871,889 = 871,889
and
-1 x -871,889 = 871,889
Notice both answers equal 871,889

With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 871,889 and divide it by 2:

871,889 ÷ 2 = 435,944.5

If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 435,944.5 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:

1 871,889
-1 -871,889

Now, we try dividing 871,889 by 3:

871,889 ÷ 3 = 290,629.6667

If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 290,629.6667 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:

1 871,889
-1 -871,889

Let's try dividing by 4:

871,889 ÷ 4 = 217,972.25

If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 217,972.25 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:

1 871,889
-1 871,889
Keep dividing by the next highest number until you cannot divide anymore.

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

14671,867871,889
-1-467-1,867-871,889

More Examples

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