Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 873,433?

 A:
Positive:   1 x 87343311 x 79403271 x 3223293 x 2981
Negative: -1 x -873433-11 x -79403-271 x -3223-293 x -2981


How do I find the factor combinations of the number 873,433?

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 873,433, 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.

1 873,433
-1 -873,433

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 873,433.

Example:
1 x 873,433 = 873,433
and
-1 x -873,433 = 873,433
Notice both answers equal 873,433

With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 873,433 and divide it by 2:

873,433 ÷ 2 = 436,716.5

If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 436,716.5 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:

1 873,433
-1 -873,433

Now, we try dividing 873,433 by 3:

873,433 ÷ 3 = 291,144.3333

If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 291,144.3333 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:

1 873,433
-1 -873,433

Let's try dividing by 4:

873,433 ÷ 4 = 218,358.25

If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 218,358.25 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:

1 873,433
-1 873,433
Keep dividing by the next highest number until you cannot divide anymore.

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

1112712932,9813,22379,403873,433
-1-11-271-293-2,981-3,223-79,403-873,433

More Examples

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