Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 317,579?

 A:
Positive:   1 x 31757929 x 1095147 x 6757233 x 1363
Negative: -1 x -317579-29 x -10951-47 x -6757-233 x -1363


How do I find the factor combinations of the number 317,579?

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 317,579, 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.

1 317,579
-1 -317,579

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 317,579.

Example:
1 x 317,579 = 317,579
and
-1 x -317,579 = 317,579
Notice both answers equal 317,579

With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 317,579 and divide it by 2:

317,579 ÷ 2 = 158,789.5

If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 158,789.5 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:

1 317,579
-1 -317,579

Now, we try dividing 317,579 by 3:

317,579 ÷ 3 = 105,859.6667

If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 105,859.6667 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:

1 317,579
-1 -317,579

Let's try dividing by 4:

317,579 ÷ 4 = 79,394.75

If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 79,394.75 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:

1 317,579
-1 317,579
Keep dividing by the next highest number until you cannot divide anymore.

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

129472331,3636,75710,951317,579
-1-29-47-233-1,363-6,757-10,951-317,579

More Examples

Here are some more numbers to try:

Try the factor calculator

Explore more about the number 317,579:


Ask a Question