Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 312,133?

 A:
Positive:   1 x 31213323 x 1357141 x 7613331 x 943
Negative: -1 x -312133-23 x -13571-41 x -7613-331 x -943


How do I find the factor combinations of the number 312,133?

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 312,133, 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.

1 312,133
-1 -312,133

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 312,133.

Example:
1 x 312,133 = 312,133
and
-1 x -312,133 = 312,133
Notice both answers equal 312,133

With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 312,133 and divide it by 2:

312,133 ÷ 2 = 156,066.5

If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 156,066.5 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:

1 312,133
-1 -312,133

Now, we try dividing 312,133 by 3:

312,133 ÷ 3 = 104,044.3333

If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 104,044.3333 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:

1 312,133
-1 -312,133

Let's try dividing by 4:

312,133 ÷ 4 = 78,033.25

If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 78,033.25 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:

1 312,133
-1 312,133
Keep dividing by the next highest number until you cannot divide anymore.

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

123413319437,61313,571312,133
-1-23-41-331-943-7,613-13,571-312,133

More Examples

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