Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 794?

 A:
Positive:   1 x 7942 x 397
Negative: -1 x -794-2 x -397


How do I find the factor combinations of the number 794?

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 794, 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.

1 794
-1 -794

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 794.

Example:
1 x 794 = 794
and
-1 x -794 = 794
Notice both answers equal 794

With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 794 and divide it by 2:

794 ÷ 2 = 397

If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 397 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 2 397 794
-1 -2 -397 -794

Now, we try dividing 794 by 3:

794 ÷ 3 = 264.6667

If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 264.6667 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 2 397 794
-1 -2 -397 -794

Let's try dividing by 4:

794 ÷ 4 = 198.5

If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 198.5 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 2 397 794
-1 -2 -397 794
Keep dividing by the next highest number until you cannot divide anymore.

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

12397794
-1-2-397-794

More Examples

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