Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 832,036?

 A:
Positive:   1 x 8320362 x 4160184 x 208009
Negative: -1 x -832036-2 x -416018-4 x -208009


How do I find the factor combinations of the number 832,036?

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 832,036, 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.

1 832,036
-1 -832,036

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 832,036.

Example:
1 x 832,036 = 832,036
and
-1 x -832,036 = 832,036
Notice both answers equal 832,036

With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 832,036 and divide it by 2:

832,036 ÷ 2 = 416,018

If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 416,018 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 2 416,018 832,036
-1 -2 -416,018 -832,036

Now, we try dividing 832,036 by 3:

832,036 ÷ 3 = 277,345.3333

If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 277,345.3333 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 2 416,018 832,036
-1 -2 -416,018 -832,036

Let's try dividing by 4:

832,036 ÷ 4 = 208,009

If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 208,009 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 4 208,009 416,018 832,036
-1 -2 -4 -208,009 -416,018 832,036
Keep dividing by the next highest number until you cannot divide anymore.

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

124208,009416,018832,036
-1-2-4-208,009-416,018-832,036

More Examples

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