Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 323,921?
A:
Positive:
1 x 32392113 x 24917
Negative:
-1 x -323921-13 x -24917
A:
Positive:
1 x 32392113 x 24917
Negative:
-1 x -323921-13 x -24917
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 323,921, 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 | 323,921 | |
-1 | -323,921 |
When you multiply two negative numbers together, you get a positive number. That means both the positive and negative numbers are factors of 323,921.
Example:
1 x 323,921 = 323,921
and
-1 x -323,921 = 323,921
Notice both answers equal 323,921
With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 323,921 and divide it by 2:
323,921 ÷ 2 = 161,960.5
If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 161,960.5 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 | 323,921 | |
-1 | -323,921 |
Now, we try dividing 323,921 by 3:
323,921 ÷ 3 = 107,973.6667
If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 107,973.6667 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 | 323,921 | |
-1 | -323,921 |
Let's try dividing by 4:
323,921 ÷ 4 = 80,980.25
If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 80,980.25 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 | 323,921 | |
-1 | 323,921 |
If you did it right, you will end up with this table:
1 | 13 | 24,917 | 323,921 |
-1 | -13 | -24,917 | -323,921 |
Here are some more numbers to try:
Try the factor calculator