Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 322,889?

 A:
Positive:   1 x 3228897 x 46127193 x 1673239 x 1351
Negative: -1 x -322889-7 x -46127-193 x -1673-239 x -1351


How do I find the factor combinations of the number 322,889?

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 322,889, 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.

1 322,889
-1 -322,889

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 322,889.

Example:
1 x 322,889 = 322,889
and
-1 x -322,889 = 322,889
Notice both answers equal 322,889

With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 322,889 and divide it by 2:

322,889 ÷ 2 = 161,444.5

If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 161,444.5 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:

1 322,889
-1 -322,889

Now, we try dividing 322,889 by 3:

322,889 ÷ 3 = 107,629.6667

If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 107,629.6667 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:

1 322,889
-1 -322,889

Let's try dividing by 4:

322,889 ÷ 4 = 80,722.25

If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 80,722.25 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:

1 322,889
-1 322,889
Keep dividing by the next highest number until you cannot divide anymore.

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

171932391,3511,67346,127322,889
-1-7-193-239-1,351-1,673-46,127-322,889

More Examples

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