Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 297,895?

 A:
Positive:   1 x 2978955 x 5957913 x 2291565 x 4583
Negative: -1 x -297895-5 x -59579-13 x -22915-65 x -4583


How do I find the factor combinations of the number 297,895?

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 297,895, 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.

1 297,895
-1 -297,895

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 297,895.

Example:
1 x 297,895 = 297,895
and
-1 x -297,895 = 297,895
Notice both answers equal 297,895

With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 297,895 and divide it by 2:

297,895 ÷ 2 = 148,947.5

If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 148,947.5 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:

1 297,895
-1 -297,895

Now, we try dividing 297,895 by 3:

297,895 ÷ 3 = 99,298.3333

If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 99,298.3333 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:

1 297,895
-1 -297,895

Let's try dividing by 4:

297,895 ÷ 4 = 74,473.75

If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 74,473.75 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:

1 297,895
-1 297,895
Keep dividing by the next highest number until you cannot divide anymore.

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

1513654,58322,91559,579297,895
-1-5-13-65-4,583-22,915-59,579-297,895

More Examples

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