Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 43,468?

 A:
Positive:   1 x 434682 x 217344 x 10867
Negative: -1 x -43468-2 x -21734-4 x -10867


How do I find the factor combinations of the number 43,468?

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 43,468, 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 43,468
-1 -43,468

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 43,468.

Example:
1 x 43,468 = 43,468
and
-1 x -43,468 = 43,468
Notice both answers equal 43,468

With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 43,468 and divide it by 2:

43,468 ÷ 2 = 21,734

If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 21,734 are factors. In this case, the quotient is a whole number. Write them in the table inside the other two factors like the below example. Don't forget to write the negative numbers too!

Here is what our table should look like at this step:

1 2 21,734 43,468
-1 -2 -21,734 -43,468

Now, we try dividing 43,468 by 3:

43,468 ÷ 3 = 14,489.3333

If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 14,489.3333 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 2 21,734 43,468
-1 -2 -21,734 -43,468

Let's try dividing by 4:

43,468 ÷ 4 = 10,867

If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 10,867 are factors. In this case, the quotient is a whole number. Write them in the table inside the other two factors like the below example. Don't forget to write the negative numbers too!

Here is what our table should look like at this step:

1 2 4 10,867 21,734 43,468
-1 -2 -4 -10,867 -21,734 43,468
Keep dividing by the next highest number until you cannot divide anymore.

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

12410,86721,73443,468
-1-2-4-10,867-21,734-43,468

More Examples

Here are some more numbers to try:

Try the factor calculator

Explore more about the number 43,468:


Ask a Question