Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 309,211?

 A:
Positive:   1 x 3092117 x 44173163 x 1897271 x 1141
Negative: -1 x -309211-7 x -44173-163 x -1897-271 x -1141


How do I find the factor combinations of the number 309,211?

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 309,211, 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.

1 309,211
-1 -309,211

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 309,211.

Example:
1 x 309,211 = 309,211
and
-1 x -309,211 = 309,211
Notice both answers equal 309,211

With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 309,211 and divide it by 2:

309,211 ÷ 2 = 154,605.5

If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 154,605.5 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:

1 309,211
-1 -309,211

Now, we try dividing 309,211 by 3:

309,211 ÷ 3 = 103,070.3333

If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 103,070.3333 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:

1 309,211
-1 -309,211

Let's try dividing by 4:

309,211 ÷ 4 = 77,302.75

If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 77,302.75 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:

1 309,211
-1 309,211
Keep dividing by the next highest number until you cannot divide anymore.

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

171632711,1411,89744,173309,211
-1-7-163-271-1,141-1,897-44,173-309,211

More Examples

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