Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 877,493?
A:
Positive:
1 x 877493467 x 1879
Negative:
-1 x -877493-467 x -1879
A:
Positive:
1 x 877493467 x 1879
Negative:
-1 x -877493-467 x -1879
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 877,493, 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 | 877,493 | |
-1 | -877,493 |
When you multiply two negative numbers together, you get a positive number. That means both the positive and negative numbers are factors of 877,493.
Example:
1 x 877,493 = 877,493
and
-1 x -877,493 = 877,493
Notice both answers equal 877,493
With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 877,493 and divide it by 2:
877,493 ÷ 2 = 438,746.5
If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 438,746.5 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 | 877,493 | |
-1 | -877,493 |
Now, we try dividing 877,493 by 3:
877,493 ÷ 3 = 292,497.6667
If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 292,497.6667 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 | 877,493 | |
-1 | -877,493 |
Let's try dividing by 4:
877,493 ÷ 4 = 219,373.25
If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 219,373.25 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 | 877,493 | |
-1 | 877,493 |
If you did it right, you will end up with this table:
1 | 467 | 1,879 | 877,493 |
-1 | -467 | -1,879 | -877,493 |
Here are some more numbers to try:
Try the factor calculator