Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 310,963?

 A:
Positive:   1 x 310963149 x 2087
Negative: -1 x -310963-149 x -2087


How do I find the factor combinations of the number 310,963?

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 310,963, 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.

1 310,963
-1 -310,963

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 310,963.

Example:
1 x 310,963 = 310,963
and
-1 x -310,963 = 310,963
Notice both answers equal 310,963

With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 310,963 and divide it by 2:

310,963 ÷ 2 = 155,481.5

If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 155,481.5 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:

1 310,963
-1 -310,963

Now, we try dividing 310,963 by 3:

310,963 ÷ 3 = 103,654.3333

If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 103,654.3333 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:

1 310,963
-1 -310,963

Let's try dividing by 4:

310,963 ÷ 4 = 77,740.75

If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 77,740.75 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:

1 310,963
-1 310,963
Keep dividing by the next highest number until you cannot divide anymore.

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

11492,087310,963
-1-149-2,087-310,963

More Examples

Here are some more numbers to try:

Try the factor calculator

Explore more about the number 310,963:


Ask a Question