Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 942,185?

 A:
Positive:   1 x 9421855 x 188437
Negative: -1 x -942185-5 x -188437


How do I find the factor combinations of the number 942,185?

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 942,185, 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.

1 942,185
-1 -942,185

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 942,185.

Example:
1 x 942,185 = 942,185
and
-1 x -942,185 = 942,185
Notice both answers equal 942,185

With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 942,185 and divide it by 2:

942,185 ÷ 2 = 471,092.5

If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 471,092.5 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:

1 942,185
-1 -942,185

Now, we try dividing 942,185 by 3:

942,185 ÷ 3 = 314,061.6667

If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 314,061.6667 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:

1 942,185
-1 -942,185

Let's try dividing by 4:

942,185 ÷ 4 = 235,546.25

If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 235,546.25 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:

1 942,185
-1 942,185
Keep dividing by the next highest number until you cannot divide anymore.

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

15188,437942,185
-1-5-188,437-942,185

More Examples

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