Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 466,156?

 A:
Positive:   1 x 4661562 x 2330784 x 116539
Negative: -1 x -466156-2 x -233078-4 x -116539


How do I find the factor combinations of the number 466,156?

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 466,156, 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.

1 466,156
-1 -466,156

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 466,156.

Example:
1 x 466,156 = 466,156
and
-1 x -466,156 = 466,156
Notice both answers equal 466,156

With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 466,156 and divide it by 2:

466,156 ÷ 2 = 233,078

If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 233,078 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 2 233,078 466,156
-1 -2 -233,078 -466,156

Now, we try dividing 466,156 by 3:

466,156 ÷ 3 = 155,385.3333

If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 155,385.3333 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 2 233,078 466,156
-1 -2 -233,078 -466,156

Let's try dividing by 4:

466,156 ÷ 4 = 116,539

If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 116,539 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 4 116,539 233,078 466,156
-1 -2 -4 -116,539 -233,078 466,156
Keep dividing by the next highest number until you cannot divide anymore.

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

124116,539233,078466,156
-1-2-4-116,539-233,078-466,156

More Examples

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