Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 971,909?
A:
Positive:
1 x 971909683 x 1423
Negative:
-1 x -971909-683 x -1423
A:
Positive:
1 x 971909683 x 1423
Negative:
-1 x -971909-683 x -1423
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 971,909, 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 | 971,909 | |
-1 | -971,909 |
When you multiply two negative numbers together, you get a positive number. That means both the positive and negative numbers are factors of 971,909.
Example:
1 x 971,909 = 971,909
and
-1 x -971,909 = 971,909
Notice both answers equal 971,909
With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 971,909 and divide it by 2:
971,909 ÷ 2 = 485,954.5
If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 485,954.5 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 | 971,909 | |
-1 | -971,909 |
Now, we try dividing 971,909 by 3:
971,909 ÷ 3 = 323,969.6667
If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 323,969.6667 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 | 971,909 | |
-1 | -971,909 |
Let's try dividing by 4:
971,909 ÷ 4 = 242,977.25
If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 242,977.25 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 | 971,909 | |
-1 | 971,909 |
If you did it right, you will end up with this table:
1 | 683 | 1,423 | 971,909 |
-1 | -683 | -1,423 | -971,909 |
Here are some more numbers to try:
Try the factor calculator