Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 331,649?
A:
Positive:
1 x 33164941 x 8089
Negative:
-1 x -331649-41 x -8089
A:
Positive:
1 x 33164941 x 8089
Negative:
-1 x -331649-41 x -8089
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 331,649, 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 | 331,649 | |
-1 | -331,649 |
When you multiply two negative numbers together, you get a positive number. That means both the positive and negative numbers are factors of 331,649.
Example:
1 x 331,649 = 331,649
and
-1 x -331,649 = 331,649
Notice both answers equal 331,649
With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 331,649 and divide it by 2:
331,649 ÷ 2 = 165,824.5
If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 165,824.5 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 | 331,649 | |
-1 | -331,649 |
Now, we try dividing 331,649 by 3:
331,649 ÷ 3 = 110,549.6667
If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 110,549.6667 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 | 331,649 | |
-1 | -331,649 |
Let's try dividing by 4:
331,649 ÷ 4 = 82,912.25
If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 82,912.25 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 | 331,649 | |
-1 | 331,649 |
If you did it right, you will end up with this table:
1 | 41 | 8,089 | 331,649 |
-1 | -41 | -8,089 | -331,649 |
Here are some more numbers to try:
Try the factor calculator