Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 974,801?
A:
Positive:
1 x 974801257 x 3793
Negative:
-1 x -974801-257 x -3793
A:
Positive:
1 x 974801257 x 3793
Negative:
-1 x -974801-257 x -3793
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 974,801, 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 | 974,801 | |
-1 | -974,801 |
When you multiply two negative numbers together, you get a positive number. That means both the positive and negative numbers are factors of 974,801.
Example:
1 x 974,801 = 974,801
and
-1 x -974,801 = 974,801
Notice both answers equal 974,801
With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 974,801 and divide it by 2:
974,801 ÷ 2 = 487,400.5
If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 487,400.5 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 | 974,801 | |
-1 | -974,801 |
Now, we try dividing 974,801 by 3:
974,801 ÷ 3 = 324,933.6667
If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 324,933.6667 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 | 974,801 | |
-1 | -974,801 |
Let's try dividing by 4:
974,801 ÷ 4 = 243,700.25
If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 243,700.25 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 | 974,801 | |
-1 | 974,801 |
If you did it right, you will end up with this table:
1 | 257 | 3,793 | 974,801 |
-1 | -257 | -3,793 | -974,801 |
Here are some more numbers to try:
Try the factor calculator