Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 874,649?

 A:
Positive:   1 x 87464971 x 1231997 x 9017127 x 6887
Negative: -1 x -874649-71 x -12319-97 x -9017-127 x -6887


How do I find the factor combinations of the number 874,649?

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 874,649, 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.

1 874,649
-1 -874,649

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 874,649.

Example:
1 x 874,649 = 874,649
and
-1 x -874,649 = 874,649
Notice both answers equal 874,649

With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 874,649 and divide it by 2:

874,649 ÷ 2 = 437,324.5

If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 437,324.5 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:

1 874,649
-1 -874,649

Now, we try dividing 874,649 by 3:

874,649 ÷ 3 = 291,549.6667

If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 291,549.6667 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:

1 874,649
-1 -874,649

Let's try dividing by 4:

874,649 ÷ 4 = 218,662.25

If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 218,662.25 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:

1 874,649
-1 874,649
Keep dividing by the next highest number until you cannot divide anymore.

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

171971276,8879,01712,319874,649
-1-71-97-127-6,887-9,017-12,319-874,649

More Examples

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