Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 304,835?

 A:
Positive:   1 x 3048355 x 6096741 x 7435205 x 1487
Negative: -1 x -304835-5 x -60967-41 x -7435-205 x -1487


How do I find the factor combinations of the number 304,835?

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 304,835, 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.

1 304,835
-1 -304,835

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 304,835.

Example:
1 x 304,835 = 304,835
and
-1 x -304,835 = 304,835
Notice both answers equal 304,835

With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 304,835 and divide it by 2:

304,835 ÷ 2 = 152,417.5

If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 152,417.5 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:

1 304,835
-1 -304,835

Now, we try dividing 304,835 by 3:

304,835 ÷ 3 = 101,611.6667

If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 101,611.6667 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:

1 304,835
-1 -304,835

Let's try dividing by 4:

304,835 ÷ 4 = 76,208.75

If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 76,208.75 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:

1 304,835
-1 304,835
Keep dividing by the next highest number until you cannot divide anymore.

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

15412051,4877,43560,967304,835
-1-5-41-205-1,487-7,435-60,967-304,835

More Examples

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