Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 915,331?

 A:
Positive:   1 x 91533117 x 5384323 x 39797391 x 2341
Negative: -1 x -915331-17 x -53843-23 x -39797-391 x -2341


How do I find the factor combinations of the number 915,331?

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 915,331, 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.

1 915,331
-1 -915,331

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 915,331.

Example:
1 x 915,331 = 915,331
and
-1 x -915,331 = 915,331
Notice both answers equal 915,331

With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 915,331 and divide it by 2:

915,331 ÷ 2 = 457,665.5

If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 457,665.5 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:

1 915,331
-1 -915,331

Now, we try dividing 915,331 by 3:

915,331 ÷ 3 = 305,110.3333

If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 305,110.3333 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:

1 915,331
-1 -915,331

Let's try dividing by 4:

915,331 ÷ 4 = 228,832.75

If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 228,832.75 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:

1 915,331
-1 915,331
Keep dividing by the next highest number until you cannot divide anymore.

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

117233912,34139,79753,843915,331
-1-17-23-391-2,341-39,797-53,843-915,331

More Examples

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