Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 297,829?

 A:
Positive:   1 x 2978297 x 42547157 x 1897271 x 1099
Negative: -1 x -297829-7 x -42547-157 x -1897-271 x -1099


How do I find the factor combinations of the number 297,829?

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 297,829, 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.

1 297,829
-1 -297,829

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 297,829.

Example:
1 x 297,829 = 297,829
and
-1 x -297,829 = 297,829
Notice both answers equal 297,829

With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 297,829 and divide it by 2:

297,829 ÷ 2 = 148,914.5

If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 148,914.5 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:

1 297,829
-1 -297,829

Now, we try dividing 297,829 by 3:

297,829 ÷ 3 = 99,276.3333

If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 99,276.3333 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:

1 297,829
-1 -297,829

Let's try dividing by 4:

297,829 ÷ 4 = 74,457.25

If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 74,457.25 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:

1 297,829
-1 297,829
Keep dividing by the next highest number until you cannot divide anymore.

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

171572711,0991,89742,547297,829
-1-7-157-271-1,099-1,897-42,547-297,829

More Examples

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