Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 322,643?
A:
Positive:
1 x 32264317 x 18979
Negative:
-1 x -322643-17 x -18979
A:
Positive:
1 x 32264317 x 18979
Negative:
-1 x -322643-17 x -18979
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 322,643, it is easier to work with a table - it's called factoring from the outside in.
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 | 322,643 | |
-1 | -322,643 |
When you multiply two negative numbers together, you get a positive number. That means both the positive and negative numbers are factors of 322,643.
Example:
1 x 322,643 = 322,643
and
-1 x -322,643 = 322,643
Notice both answers equal 322,643
With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 322,643 and divide it by 2:
322,643 ÷ 2 = 161,321.5
If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 161,321.5 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 | 322,643 | |
-1 | -322,643 |
Now, we try dividing 322,643 by 3:
322,643 ÷ 3 = 107,547.6667
If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 107,547.6667 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 | 322,643 | |
-1 | -322,643 |
Let's try dividing by 4:
322,643 ÷ 4 = 80,660.75
If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 80,660.75 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 | 322,643 | |
-1 | 322,643 |
If you did it right, you will end up with this table:
1 | 17 | 18,979 | 322,643 |
-1 | -17 | -18,979 | -322,643 |
Here are some more numbers to try:
Try the factor calculator