Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 326,215?

 A:
Positive:   1 x 3262155 x 6524353 x 6155265 x 1231
Negative: -1 x -326215-5 x -65243-53 x -6155-265 x -1231


How do I find the factor combinations of the number 326,215?

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 326,215, 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.

1 326,215
-1 -326,215

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 326,215.

Example:
1 x 326,215 = 326,215
and
-1 x -326,215 = 326,215
Notice both answers equal 326,215

With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 326,215 and divide it by 2:

326,215 ÷ 2 = 163,107.5

If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 163,107.5 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:

1 326,215
-1 -326,215

Now, we try dividing 326,215 by 3:

326,215 ÷ 3 = 108,738.3333

If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 108,738.3333 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:

1 326,215
-1 -326,215

Let's try dividing by 4:

326,215 ÷ 4 = 81,553.75

If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 81,553.75 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:

1 326,215
-1 326,215
Keep dividing by the next highest number until you cannot divide anymore.

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

15532651,2316,15565,243326,215
-1-5-53-265-1,231-6,155-65,243-326,215

More Examples

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