Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 900,851?
A:
Positive:
1 x 9008517 x 128693
Negative:
-1 x -900851-7 x -128693
A:
Positive:
1 x 9008517 x 128693
Negative:
-1 x -900851-7 x -128693
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 900,851, 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 | 900,851 | |
-1 | -900,851 |
When you multiply two negative numbers together, you get a positive number. That means both the positive and negative numbers are factors of 900,851.
Example:
1 x 900,851 = 900,851
and
-1 x -900,851 = 900,851
Notice both answers equal 900,851
With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 900,851 and divide it by 2:
900,851 ÷ 2 = 450,425.5
If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 450,425.5 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 | 900,851 | |
-1 | -900,851 |
Now, we try dividing 900,851 by 3:
900,851 ÷ 3 = 300,283.6667
If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 300,283.6667 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 | 900,851 | |
-1 | -900,851 |
Let's try dividing by 4:
900,851 ÷ 4 = 225,212.75
If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 225,212.75 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 | 900,851 | |
-1 | 900,851 |
If you did it right, you will end up with this table:
1 | 7 | 128,693 | 900,851 |
-1 | -7 | -128,693 | -900,851 |
Here are some more numbers to try:
Try the factor calculator