Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 320,833?

 A:
Positive:   1 x 320833
Negative: -1 x -320833


How do I find the factor combinations of the number 320,833?

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 320,833, 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.

1 320,833
-1 -320,833

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 320,833.

Example:
1 x 320,833 = 320,833
and
-1 x -320,833 = 320,833
Notice both answers equal 320,833

With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 320,833 and divide it by 2:

320,833 ÷ 2 = 160,416.5

If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 160,416.5 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:

1 320,833
-1 -320,833

Now, we try dividing 320,833 by 3:

320,833 ÷ 3 = 106,944.3333

If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 106,944.3333 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:

1 320,833
-1 -320,833

Let's try dividing by 4:

320,833 ÷ 4 = 80,208.25

If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 80,208.25 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:

1 320,833
-1 320,833
Keep dividing by the next highest number until you cannot divide anymore.

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

1320,833
-1-320,833

More Examples

Here are some more numbers to try:

Try the factor calculator

Explore more about the number 320,833:


Ask a Question