Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 977,743?
A:
Positive:
1 x 97774313 x 75211
Negative:
-1 x -977743-13 x -75211
A:
Positive:
1 x 97774313 x 75211
Negative:
-1 x -977743-13 x -75211
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 977,743, 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 | 977,743 | |
-1 | -977,743 |
When you multiply two negative numbers together, you get a positive number. That means both the positive and negative numbers are factors of 977,743.
Example:
1 x 977,743 = 977,743
and
-1 x -977,743 = 977,743
Notice both answers equal 977,743
With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 977,743 and divide it by 2:
977,743 ÷ 2 = 488,871.5
If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 488,871.5 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 | 977,743 | |
-1 | -977,743 |
Now, we try dividing 977,743 by 3:
977,743 ÷ 3 = 325,914.3333
If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 325,914.3333 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 | 977,743 | |
-1 | -977,743 |
Let's try dividing by 4:
977,743 ÷ 4 = 244,435.75
If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 244,435.75 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 | 977,743 | |
-1 | 977,743 |
If you did it right, you will end up with this table:
1 | 13 | 75,211 | 977,743 |
-1 | -13 | -75,211 | -977,743 |
Here are some more numbers to try:
Try the factor calculator