Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 310,943?

 A:
Positive:   1 x 310943139 x 2237
Negative: -1 x -310943-139 x -2237


How do I find the factor combinations of the number 310,943?

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 310,943, 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.

1 310,943
-1 -310,943

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 310,943.

Example:
1 x 310,943 = 310,943
and
-1 x -310,943 = 310,943
Notice both answers equal 310,943

With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 310,943 and divide it by 2:

310,943 ÷ 2 = 155,471.5

If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 155,471.5 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:

1 310,943
-1 -310,943

Now, we try dividing 310,943 by 3:

310,943 ÷ 3 = 103,647.6667

If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 103,647.6667 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:

1 310,943
-1 -310,943

Let's try dividing by 4:

310,943 ÷ 4 = 77,735.75

If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 77,735.75 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:

1 310,943
-1 310,943
Keep dividing by the next highest number until you cannot divide anymore.

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

11392,237310,943
-1-139-2,237-310,943

More Examples

Here are some more numbers to try:

Try the factor calculator

Explore more about the number 310,943:


Ask a Question