Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 973,913?

 A:
Positive:   1 x 97391317 x 5728959 x 16507971 x 1003
Negative: -1 x -973913-17 x -57289-59 x -16507-971 x -1003


How do I find the factor combinations of the number 973,913?

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 973,913, 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.

1 973,913
-1 -973,913

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 973,913.

Example:
1 x 973,913 = 973,913
and
-1 x -973,913 = 973,913
Notice both answers equal 973,913

With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 973,913 and divide it by 2:

973,913 ÷ 2 = 486,956.5

If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 486,956.5 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:

1 973,913
-1 -973,913

Now, we try dividing 973,913 by 3:

973,913 ÷ 3 = 324,637.6667

If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 324,637.6667 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:

1 973,913
-1 -973,913

Let's try dividing by 4:

973,913 ÷ 4 = 243,478.25

If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 243,478.25 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:

1 973,913
-1 973,913
Keep dividing by the next highest number until you cannot divide anymore.

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

117599711,00316,50757,289973,913
-1-17-59-971-1,003-16,507-57,289-973,913

More Examples

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