Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 331,219?

 A:
Positive:   1 x 3312197 x 47317
Negative: -1 x -331219-7 x -47317


How do I find the factor combinations of the number 331,219?

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 331,219, 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.

1 331,219
-1 -331,219

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 331,219.

Example:
1 x 331,219 = 331,219
and
-1 x -331,219 = 331,219
Notice both answers equal 331,219

With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 331,219 and divide it by 2:

331,219 ÷ 2 = 165,609.5

If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 165,609.5 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:

1 331,219
-1 -331,219

Now, we try dividing 331,219 by 3:

331,219 ÷ 3 = 110,406.3333

If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 110,406.3333 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:

1 331,219
-1 -331,219

Let's try dividing by 4:

331,219 ÷ 4 = 82,804.75

If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 82,804.75 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:

1 331,219
-1 331,219
Keep dividing by the next highest number until you cannot divide anymore.

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

1747,317331,219
-1-7-47,317-331,219

More Examples

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