Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 326,843?

 A:
Positive:   1 x 32684311 x 2971343 x 7601473 x 691
Negative: -1 x -326843-11 x -29713-43 x -7601-473 x -691


How do I find the factor combinations of the number 326,843?

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 326,843, 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.

1 326,843
-1 -326,843

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 326,843.

Example:
1 x 326,843 = 326,843
and
-1 x -326,843 = 326,843
Notice both answers equal 326,843

With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 326,843 and divide it by 2:

326,843 ÷ 2 = 163,421.5

If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 163,421.5 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:

1 326,843
-1 -326,843

Now, we try dividing 326,843 by 3:

326,843 ÷ 3 = 108,947.6667

If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 108,947.6667 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:

1 326,843
-1 -326,843

Let's try dividing by 4:

326,843 ÷ 4 = 81,710.75

If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 81,710.75 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:

1 326,843
-1 326,843
Keep dividing by the next highest number until you cannot divide anymore.

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

111434736917,60129,713326,843
-1-11-43-473-691-7,601-29,713-326,843

More Examples

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