Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 962,159?

 A:
Positive:   1 x 96215911 x 8746923 x 41833253 x 3803
Negative: -1 x -962159-11 x -87469-23 x -41833-253 x -3803


How do I find the factor combinations of the number 962,159?

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 962,159, 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.

1 962,159
-1 -962,159

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 962,159.

Example:
1 x 962,159 = 962,159
and
-1 x -962,159 = 962,159
Notice both answers equal 962,159

With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 962,159 and divide it by 2:

962,159 ÷ 2 = 481,079.5

If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 481,079.5 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:

1 962,159
-1 -962,159

Now, we try dividing 962,159 by 3:

962,159 ÷ 3 = 320,719.6667

If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 320,719.6667 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:

1 962,159
-1 -962,159

Let's try dividing by 4:

962,159 ÷ 4 = 240,539.75

If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 240,539.75 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:

1 962,159
-1 962,159
Keep dividing by the next highest number until you cannot divide anymore.

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

111232533,80341,83387,469962,159
-1-11-23-253-3,803-41,833-87,469-962,159

More Examples

Here are some more numbers to try:

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