Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 318,649?

 A:
Positive:   1 x 31864919 x 1677131 x 10279541 x 589
Negative: -1 x -318649-19 x -16771-31 x -10279-541 x -589


How do I find the factor combinations of the number 318,649?

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 318,649, 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.

1 318,649
-1 -318,649

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 318,649.

Example:
1 x 318,649 = 318,649
and
-1 x -318,649 = 318,649
Notice both answers equal 318,649

With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 318,649 and divide it by 2:

318,649 ÷ 2 = 159,324.5

If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 159,324.5 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:

1 318,649
-1 -318,649

Now, we try dividing 318,649 by 3:

318,649 ÷ 3 = 106,216.3333

If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 106,216.3333 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:

1 318,649
-1 -318,649

Let's try dividing by 4:

318,649 ÷ 4 = 79,662.25

If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 79,662.25 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:

1 318,649
-1 318,649
Keep dividing by the next highest number until you cannot divide anymore.

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

1193154158910,27916,771318,649
-1-19-31-541-589-10,279-16,771-318,649

More Examples

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