Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 874,253?
A:
Positive:
1 x 87425323 x 38011
Negative:
-1 x -874253-23 x -38011
A:
Positive:
1 x 87425323 x 38011
Negative:
-1 x -874253-23 x -38011
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 874,253, it is easier to work with a table - it's called factoring from the outside in.
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 | 874,253 | |
-1 | -874,253 |
When you multiply two negative numbers together, you get a positive number. That means both the positive and negative numbers are factors of 874,253.
Example:
1 x 874,253 = 874,253
and
-1 x -874,253 = 874,253
Notice both answers equal 874,253
With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 874,253 and divide it by 2:
874,253 ÷ 2 = 437,126.5
If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 437,126.5 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 | 874,253 | |
-1 | -874,253 |
Now, we try dividing 874,253 by 3:
874,253 ÷ 3 = 291,417.6667
If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 291,417.6667 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 | 874,253 | |
-1 | -874,253 |
Let's try dividing by 4:
874,253 ÷ 4 = 218,563.25
If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 218,563.25 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 | 874,253 | |
-1 | 874,253 |
If you did it right, you will end up with this table:
1 | 23 | 38,011 | 874,253 |
-1 | -23 | -38,011 | -874,253 |
Here are some more numbers to try:
Try the factor calculator