Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 968,497?
A:
Positive:
1 x 96849761 x 15877
Negative:
-1 x -968497-61 x -15877
A:
Positive:
1 x 96849761 x 15877
Negative:
-1 x -968497-61 x -15877
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 968,497, 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 | 968,497 | |
-1 | -968,497 |
When you multiply two negative numbers together, you get a positive number. That means both the positive and negative numbers are factors of 968,497.
Example:
1 x 968,497 = 968,497
and
-1 x -968,497 = 968,497
Notice both answers equal 968,497
With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 968,497 and divide it by 2:
968,497 ÷ 2 = 484,248.5
If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 484,248.5 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 | 968,497 | |
-1 | -968,497 |
Now, we try dividing 968,497 by 3:
968,497 ÷ 3 = 322,832.3333
If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 322,832.3333 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 | 968,497 | |
-1 | -968,497 |
Let's try dividing by 4:
968,497 ÷ 4 = 242,124.25
If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 242,124.25 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 | 968,497 | |
-1 | 968,497 |
If you did it right, you will end up with this table:
1 | 61 | 15,877 | 968,497 |
-1 | -61 | -15,877 | -968,497 |
Here are some more numbers to try:
Try the factor calculator