Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 324,845?
A:
Positive:
1 x 3248455 x 64969
Negative:
-1 x -324845-5 x -64969
A:
Positive:
1 x 3248455 x 64969
Negative:
-1 x -324845-5 x -64969
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 324,845, 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 | 324,845 | |
-1 | -324,845 |
When you multiply two negative numbers together, you get a positive number. That means both the positive and negative numbers are factors of 324,845.
Example:
1 x 324,845 = 324,845
and
-1 x -324,845 = 324,845
Notice both answers equal 324,845
With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 324,845 and divide it by 2:
324,845 ÷ 2 = 162,422.5
If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 162,422.5 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 | 324,845 | |
-1 | -324,845 |
Now, we try dividing 324,845 by 3:
324,845 ÷ 3 = 108,281.6667
If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 108,281.6667 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 | 324,845 | |
-1 | -324,845 |
Let's try dividing by 4:
324,845 ÷ 4 = 81,211.25
If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 81,211.25 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 | 324,845 | |
-1 | 324,845 |
If you did it right, you will end up with this table:
1 | 5 | 64,969 | 324,845 |
-1 | -5 | -64,969 | -324,845 |
Here are some more numbers to try:
Try the factor calculator