Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 904,147?

 A:
Positive:   1 x 904147
Negative: -1 x -904147


How do I find the factor combinations of the number 904,147?

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 904,147, 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.

1 904,147
-1 -904,147

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 904,147.

Example:
1 x 904,147 = 904,147
and
-1 x -904,147 = 904,147
Notice both answers equal 904,147

With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 904,147 and divide it by 2:

904,147 ÷ 2 = 452,073.5

If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 452,073.5 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:

1 904,147
-1 -904,147

Now, we try dividing 904,147 by 3:

904,147 ÷ 3 = 301,382.3333

If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 301,382.3333 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:

1 904,147
-1 -904,147

Let's try dividing by 4:

904,147 ÷ 4 = 226,036.75

If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 226,036.75 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:

1 904,147
-1 904,147
Keep dividing by the next highest number until you cannot divide anymore.

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

1904,147
-1-904,147

More Examples

Here are some more numbers to try:

Try the factor calculator

Explore more about the number 904,147:


Ask a Question