Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 898,373?
A:
Positive:
1 x 8983737 x 128339
Negative:
-1 x -898373-7 x -128339
A:
Positive:
1 x 8983737 x 128339
Negative:
-1 x -898373-7 x -128339
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 898,373, 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 | 898,373 | |
-1 | -898,373 |
When you multiply two negative numbers together, you get a positive number. That means both the positive and negative numbers are factors of 898,373.
Example:
1 x 898,373 = 898,373
and
-1 x -898,373 = 898,373
Notice both answers equal 898,373
With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 898,373 and divide it by 2:
898,373 ÷ 2 = 449,186.5
If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 449,186.5 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 | 898,373 | |
-1 | -898,373 |
Now, we try dividing 898,373 by 3:
898,373 ÷ 3 = 299,457.6667
If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 299,457.6667 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 | 898,373 | |
-1 | -898,373 |
Let's try dividing by 4:
898,373 ÷ 4 = 224,593.25
If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 224,593.25 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 | 898,373 | |
-1 | 898,373 |
If you did it right, you will end up with this table:
1 | 7 | 128,339 | 898,373 |
-1 | -7 | -128,339 | -898,373 |
Here are some more numbers to try:
Try the factor calculator