Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 277,399?

 A:
Positive:   1 x 277399457 x 607
Negative: -1 x -277399-457 x -607


How do I find the factor combinations of the number 277,399?

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 277,399, 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.

1 277,399
-1 -277,399

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 277,399.

Example:
1 x 277,399 = 277,399
and
-1 x -277,399 = 277,399
Notice both answers equal 277,399

With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 277,399 and divide it by 2:

277,399 ÷ 2 = 138,699.5

If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 138,699.5 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:

1 277,399
-1 -277,399

Now, we try dividing 277,399 by 3:

277,399 ÷ 3 = 92,466.3333

If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 92,466.3333 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:

1 277,399
-1 -277,399

Let's try dividing by 4:

277,399 ÷ 4 = 69,349.75

If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 69,349.75 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:

1 277,399
-1 277,399
Keep dividing by the next highest number until you cannot divide anymore.

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

1457607277,399
-1-457-607-277,399

More Examples

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