Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 942,481?
A:
Positive:
1 x 942481547 x 1723
Negative:
-1 x -942481-547 x -1723
A:
Positive:
1 x 942481547 x 1723
Negative:
-1 x -942481-547 x -1723
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 942,481, it is easier to work with a table - it's called factoring from the outside in.
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 | 942,481 | |
-1 | -942,481 |
When you multiply two negative numbers together, you get a positive number. That means both the positive and negative numbers are factors of 942,481.
Example:
1 x 942,481 = 942,481
and
-1 x -942,481 = 942,481
Notice both answers equal 942,481
With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 942,481 and divide it by 2:
942,481 ÷ 2 = 471,240.5
If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 471,240.5 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 | 942,481 | |
-1 | -942,481 |
Now, we try dividing 942,481 by 3:
942,481 ÷ 3 = 314,160.3333
If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 314,160.3333 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 | 942,481 | |
-1 | -942,481 |
Let's try dividing by 4:
942,481 ÷ 4 = 235,620.25
If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 235,620.25 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 | 942,481 | |
-1 | 942,481 |
If you did it right, you will end up with this table:
1 | 547 | 1,723 | 942,481 |
-1 | -547 | -1,723 | -942,481 |
Here are some more numbers to try:
Try the factor calculator