Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 317,111?

 A:
Positive:   1 x 31711167 x 4733
Negative: -1 x -317111-67 x -4733


How do I find the factor combinations of the number 317,111?

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 317,111, 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.

1 317,111
-1 -317,111

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 317,111.

Example:
1 x 317,111 = 317,111
and
-1 x -317,111 = 317,111
Notice both answers equal 317,111

With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 317,111 and divide it by 2:

317,111 ÷ 2 = 158,555.5

If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 158,555.5 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:

1 317,111
-1 -317,111

Now, we try dividing 317,111 by 3:

317,111 ÷ 3 = 105,703.6667

If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 105,703.6667 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:

1 317,111
-1 -317,111

Let's try dividing by 4:

317,111 ÷ 4 = 79,277.75

If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 79,277.75 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:

1 317,111
-1 317,111
Keep dividing by the next highest number until you cannot divide anymore.

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

1674,733317,111
-1-67-4,733-317,111

More Examples

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