Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 886,268?

 A:
Positive:   1 x 8862682 x 4431344 x 221567
Negative: -1 x -886268-2 x -443134-4 x -221567


How do I find the factor combinations of the number 886,268?

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 886,268, 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.

1 886,268
-1 -886,268

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 886,268.

Example:
1 x 886,268 = 886,268
and
-1 x -886,268 = 886,268
Notice both answers equal 886,268

With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 886,268 and divide it by 2:

886,268 ÷ 2 = 443,134

If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 443,134 are factors. In this case, the quotient is a whole number. Write them in the table inside the other two factors like the below example. Don't forget to write the negative numbers too!

Here is what our table should look like at this step:

1 2 443,134 886,268
-1 -2 -443,134 -886,268

Now, we try dividing 886,268 by 3:

886,268 ÷ 3 = 295,422.6667

If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 295,422.6667 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 2 443,134 886,268
-1 -2 -443,134 -886,268

Let's try dividing by 4:

886,268 ÷ 4 = 221,567

If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 221,567 are factors. In this case, the quotient is a whole number. Write them in the table inside the other two factors like the below example. Don't forget to write the negative numbers too!

Here is what our table should look like at this step:

1 2 4 221,567 443,134 886,268
-1 -2 -4 -221,567 -443,134 886,268
Keep dividing by the next highest number until you cannot divide anymore.

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

124221,567443,134886,268
-1-2-4-221,567-443,134-886,268

More Examples

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