Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 926?

 A:
Positive:   1 x 9262 x 463
Negative: -1 x -926-2 x -463


How do I find the factor combinations of the number 926?

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 926, 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.

1 926
-1 -926

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 926.

Example:
1 x 926 = 926
and
-1 x -926 = 926
Notice both answers equal 926

With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 926 and divide it by 2:

926 ÷ 2 = 463

If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 463 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 2 463 926
-1 -2 -463 -926

Now, we try dividing 926 by 3:

926 ÷ 3 = 308.6667

If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 308.6667 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 2 463 926
-1 -2 -463 -926

Let's try dividing by 4:

926 ÷ 4 = 231.5

If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 231.5 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 2 463 926
-1 -2 -463 926
Keep dividing by the next highest number until you cannot divide anymore.

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

12463926
-1-2-463-926

More Examples

Here are some more numbers to try:

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