Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 973,939?
A:
Positive:
1 x 973939179 x 5441
Negative:
-1 x -973939-179 x -5441
A:
Positive:
1 x 973939179 x 5441
Negative:
-1 x -973939-179 x -5441
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 973,939, 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 | 973,939 | |
-1 | -973,939 |
When you multiply two negative numbers together, you get a positive number. That means both the positive and negative numbers are factors of 973,939.
Example:
1 x 973,939 = 973,939
and
-1 x -973,939 = 973,939
Notice both answers equal 973,939
With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 973,939 and divide it by 2:
973,939 ÷ 2 = 486,969.5
If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 486,969.5 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 | 973,939 | |
-1 | -973,939 |
Now, we try dividing 973,939 by 3:
973,939 ÷ 3 = 324,646.3333
If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 324,646.3333 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 | 973,939 | |
-1 | -973,939 |
Let's try dividing by 4:
973,939 ÷ 4 = 243,484.75
If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 243,484.75 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 | 973,939 | |
-1 | 973,939 |
If you did it right, you will end up with this table:
1 | 179 | 5,441 | 973,939 |
-1 | -179 | -5,441 | -973,939 |
Here are some more numbers to try:
Try the factor calculator