Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 308,783?
A:
Positive:
1 x 30878343 x 7181167 x 1849
Negative:
-1 x -308783-43 x -7181-167 x -1849
A:
Positive:
1 x 30878343 x 7181167 x 1849
Negative:
-1 x -308783-43 x -7181-167 x -1849
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 308,783, it is easier to work with a table - it's called factoring from the outside in.
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 | 308,783 | |
-1 | -308,783 |
When you multiply two negative numbers together, you get a positive number. That means both the positive and negative numbers are factors of 308,783.
Example:
1 x 308,783 = 308,783
and
-1 x -308,783 = 308,783
Notice both answers equal 308,783
With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 308,783 and divide it by 2:
308,783 ÷ 2 = 154,391.5
If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 154,391.5 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 | 308,783 | |
-1 | -308,783 |
Now, we try dividing 308,783 by 3:
308,783 ÷ 3 = 102,927.6667
If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 102,927.6667 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 | 308,783 | |
-1 | -308,783 |
Let's try dividing by 4:
308,783 ÷ 4 = 77,195.75
If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 77,195.75 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 | 308,783 | |
-1 | 308,783 |
If you did it right, you will end up with this table:
1 | 43 | 167 | 1,849 | 7,181 | 308,783 |
-1 | -43 | -167 | -1,849 | -7,181 | -308,783 |
Here are some more numbers to try:
Try the factor calculator