Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 309,665?
A:
Positive:
1 x 3096655 x 61933
Negative:
-1 x -309665-5 x -61933
A:
Positive:
1 x 3096655 x 61933
Negative:
-1 x -309665-5 x -61933
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 309,665, 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 | 309,665 | |
-1 | -309,665 |
When you multiply two negative numbers together, you get a positive number. That means both the positive and negative numbers are factors of 309,665.
Example:
1 x 309,665 = 309,665
and
-1 x -309,665 = 309,665
Notice both answers equal 309,665
With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 309,665 and divide it by 2:
309,665 ÷ 2 = 154,832.5
If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 154,832.5 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 | 309,665 | |
-1 | -309,665 |
Now, we try dividing 309,665 by 3:
309,665 ÷ 3 = 103,221.6667
If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 103,221.6667 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 | 309,665 | |
-1 | -309,665 |
Let's try dividing by 4:
309,665 ÷ 4 = 77,416.25
If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 77,416.25 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 | 309,665 | |
-1 | 309,665 |
If you did it right, you will end up with this table:
1 | 5 | 61,933 | 309,665 |
-1 | -5 | -61,933 | -309,665 |
Here are some more numbers to try:
Try the factor calculator