Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 324,301,477?

 A:
Positive:   1 x 324301477
Negative: -1 x -324301477


How do I find the factor combinations of the number 324,301,477?

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 324,301,477, 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.

1 324,301,477
-1 -324,301,477

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 324,301,477.

Example:
1 x 324,301,477 = 324,301,477
and
-1 x -324,301,477 = 324,301,477
Notice both answers equal 324,301,477

With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 324,301,477 and divide it by 2:

324,301,477 ÷ 2 = 162,150,738.5

If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 162,150,738.5 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:

1 324,301,477
-1 -324,301,477

Now, we try dividing 324,301,477 by 3:

324,301,477 ÷ 3 = 108,100,492.3333

If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 108,100,492.3333 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:

1 324,301,477
-1 -324,301,477

Let's try dividing by 4:

324,301,477 ÷ 4 = 81,075,369.25

If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 81,075,369.25 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:

1 324,301,477
-1 324,301,477
Keep dividing by the next highest number until you cannot divide anymore.

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

1324,301,477
-1-324,301,477

More Examples

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