Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 901,473?
A:
Positive:
1 x 9014733 x 300491
Negative:
-1 x -901473-3 x -300491
A:
Positive:
1 x 9014733 x 300491
Negative:
-1 x -901473-3 x -300491
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 901,473, 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 | 901,473 | |
-1 | -901,473 |
When you multiply two negative numbers together, you get a positive number. That means both the positive and negative numbers are factors of 901,473.
Example:
1 x 901,473 = 901,473
and
-1 x -901,473 = 901,473
Notice both answers equal 901,473
With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 901,473 and divide it by 2:
901,473 ÷ 2 = 450,736.5
If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 450,736.5 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 | 901,473 | |
-1 | -901,473 |
Now, we try dividing 901,473 by 3:
901,473 ÷ 3 = 300,491
If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 300,491 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 | 3 | 300,491 | 901,473 | |
-1 | -3 | -300,491 | -901,473 |
Let's try dividing by 4:
901,473 ÷ 4 = 225,368.25
If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 225,368.25 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 | 3 | 300,491 | 901,473 | |
-1 | -3 | -300,491 | 901,473 |
If you did it right, you will end up with this table:
1 | 3 | 300,491 | 901,473 |
-1 | -3 | -300,491 | -901,473 |
Here are some more numbers to try:
Try the factor calculator