Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 972,983?

 A:
Positive:   1 x 97298311 x 88453197 x 4939449 x 2167
Negative: -1 x -972983-11 x -88453-197 x -4939-449 x -2167


How do I find the factor combinations of the number 972,983?

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 972,983, 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.

1 972,983
-1 -972,983

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 972,983.

Example:
1 x 972,983 = 972,983
and
-1 x -972,983 = 972,983
Notice both answers equal 972,983

With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 972,983 and divide it by 2:

972,983 ÷ 2 = 486,491.5

If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 486,491.5 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:

1 972,983
-1 -972,983

Now, we try dividing 972,983 by 3:

972,983 ÷ 3 = 324,327.6667

If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 324,327.6667 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:

1 972,983
-1 -972,983

Let's try dividing by 4:

972,983 ÷ 4 = 243,245.75

If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 243,245.75 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:

1 972,983
-1 972,983
Keep dividing by the next highest number until you cannot divide anymore.

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

1111974492,1674,93988,453972,983
-1-11-197-449-2,167-4,939-88,453-972,983

More Examples

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