Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 298,105?

 A:
Positive:   1 x 2981055 x 59621
Negative: -1 x -298105-5 x -59621


How do I find the factor combinations of the number 298,105?

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 298,105, 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.

1 298,105
-1 -298,105

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 298,105.

Example:
1 x 298,105 = 298,105
and
-1 x -298,105 = 298,105
Notice both answers equal 298,105

With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 298,105 and divide it by 2:

298,105 ÷ 2 = 149,052.5

If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 149,052.5 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:

1 298,105
-1 -298,105

Now, we try dividing 298,105 by 3:

298,105 ÷ 3 = 99,368.3333

If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 99,368.3333 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:

1 298,105
-1 -298,105

Let's try dividing by 4:

298,105 ÷ 4 = 74,526.25

If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 74,526.25 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:

1 298,105
-1 298,105
Keep dividing by the next highest number until you cannot divide anymore.

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

1559,621298,105
-1-5-59,621-298,105

More Examples

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