Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 320,309?

 A:
Positive:   1 x 32030911 x 2911937 x 8657407 x 787
Negative: -1 x -320309-11 x -29119-37 x -8657-407 x -787


How do I find the factor combinations of the number 320,309?

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 320,309, 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.

1 320,309
-1 -320,309

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 320,309.

Example:
1 x 320,309 = 320,309
and
-1 x -320,309 = 320,309
Notice both answers equal 320,309

With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 320,309 and divide it by 2:

320,309 ÷ 2 = 160,154.5

If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 160,154.5 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:

1 320,309
-1 -320,309

Now, we try dividing 320,309 by 3:

320,309 ÷ 3 = 106,769.6667

If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 106,769.6667 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:

1 320,309
-1 -320,309

Let's try dividing by 4:

320,309 ÷ 4 = 80,077.25

If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 80,077.25 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:

1 320,309
-1 320,309
Keep dividing by the next highest number until you cannot divide anymore.

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

111374077878,65729,119320,309
-1-11-37-407-787-8,657-29,119-320,309

More Examples

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