Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 325,297?

 A:
Positive:   1 x 3252977 x 46471
Negative: -1 x -325297-7 x -46471


How do I find the factor combinations of the number 325,297?

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 325,297, 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.

1 325,297
-1 -325,297

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 325,297.

Example:
1 x 325,297 = 325,297
and
-1 x -325,297 = 325,297
Notice both answers equal 325,297

With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 325,297 and divide it by 2:

325,297 ÷ 2 = 162,648.5

If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 162,648.5 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:

1 325,297
-1 -325,297

Now, we try dividing 325,297 by 3:

325,297 ÷ 3 = 108,432.3333

If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 108,432.3333 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:

1 325,297
-1 -325,297

Let's try dividing by 4:

325,297 ÷ 4 = 81,324.25

If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 81,324.25 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:

1 325,297
-1 325,297
Keep dividing by the next highest number until you cannot divide anymore.

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

1746,471325,297
-1-7-46,471-325,297

More Examples

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