Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 974,933?

 A:
Positive:   1 x 97493317 x 57349
Negative: -1 x -974933-17 x -57349


How do I find the factor combinations of the number 974,933?

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 974,933, 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.

1 974,933
-1 -974,933

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 974,933.

Example:
1 x 974,933 = 974,933
and
-1 x -974,933 = 974,933
Notice both answers equal 974,933

With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 974,933 and divide it by 2:

974,933 ÷ 2 = 487,466.5

If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 487,466.5 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:

1 974,933
-1 -974,933

Now, we try dividing 974,933 by 3:

974,933 ÷ 3 = 324,977.6667

If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 324,977.6667 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:

1 974,933
-1 -974,933

Let's try dividing by 4:

974,933 ÷ 4 = 243,733.25

If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 243,733.25 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:

1 974,933
-1 974,933
Keep dividing by the next highest number until you cannot divide anymore.

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

11757,349974,933
-1-17-57,349-974,933

More Examples

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