Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 316,895?

 A:
Positive:   1 x 3168955 x 6337961 x 5195305 x 1039
Negative: -1 x -316895-5 x -63379-61 x -5195-305 x -1039


How do I find the factor combinations of the number 316,895?

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 316,895, 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.

1 316,895
-1 -316,895

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 316,895.

Example:
1 x 316,895 = 316,895
and
-1 x -316,895 = 316,895
Notice both answers equal 316,895

With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 316,895 and divide it by 2:

316,895 ÷ 2 = 158,447.5

If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 158,447.5 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:

1 316,895
-1 -316,895

Now, we try dividing 316,895 by 3:

316,895 ÷ 3 = 105,631.6667

If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 105,631.6667 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:

1 316,895
-1 -316,895

Let's try dividing by 4:

316,895 ÷ 4 = 79,223.75

If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 79,223.75 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:

1 316,895
-1 316,895
Keep dividing by the next highest number until you cannot divide anymore.

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

15613051,0395,19563,379316,895
-1-5-61-305-1,039-5,195-63,379-316,895

More Examples

Here are some more numbers to try:

Try the factor calculator

Explore more about the number 316,895:


Ask a Question