Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 915,716?

 A:
Positive:   1 x 9157162 x 4578584 x 228929
Negative: -1 x -915716-2 x -457858-4 x -228929


How do I find the factor combinations of the number 915,716?

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 915,716, 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.

1 915,716
-1 -915,716

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 915,716.

Example:
1 x 915,716 = 915,716
and
-1 x -915,716 = 915,716
Notice both answers equal 915,716

With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 915,716 and divide it by 2:

915,716 ÷ 2 = 457,858

If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 457,858 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 2 457,858 915,716
-1 -2 -457,858 -915,716

Now, we try dividing 915,716 by 3:

915,716 ÷ 3 = 305,238.6667

If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 305,238.6667 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 2 457,858 915,716
-1 -2 -457,858 -915,716

Let's try dividing by 4:

915,716 ÷ 4 = 228,929

If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 228,929 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 2 4 228,929 457,858 915,716
-1 -2 -4 -228,929 -457,858 915,716
Keep dividing by the next highest number until you cannot divide anymore.

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

124228,929457,858915,716
-1-2-4-228,929-457,858-915,716

More Examples

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