Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 291,311?

 A:
Positive:   1 x 291311523 x 557
Negative: -1 x -291311-523 x -557


How do I find the factor combinations of the number 291,311?

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 291,311, 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.

1 291,311
-1 -291,311

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 291,311.

Example:
1 x 291,311 = 291,311
and
-1 x -291,311 = 291,311
Notice both answers equal 291,311

With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 291,311 and divide it by 2:

291,311 ÷ 2 = 145,655.5

If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 145,655.5 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:

1 291,311
-1 -291,311

Now, we try dividing 291,311 by 3:

291,311 ÷ 3 = 97,103.6667

If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 97,103.6667 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:

1 291,311
-1 -291,311

Let's try dividing by 4:

291,311 ÷ 4 = 72,827.75

If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 72,827.75 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:

1 291,311
-1 291,311
Keep dividing by the next highest number until you cannot divide anymore.

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

1523557291,311
-1-523-557-291,311

More Examples

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