Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 332,087?

 A:
Positive:   1 x 3320877 x 47441
Negative: -1 x -332087-7 x -47441


How do I find the factor combinations of the number 332,087?

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 332,087, 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.

1 332,087
-1 -332,087

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 332,087.

Example:
1 x 332,087 = 332,087
and
-1 x -332,087 = 332,087
Notice both answers equal 332,087

With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 332,087 and divide it by 2:

332,087 ÷ 2 = 166,043.5

If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 166,043.5 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:

1 332,087
-1 -332,087

Now, we try dividing 332,087 by 3:

332,087 ÷ 3 = 110,695.6667

If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 110,695.6667 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:

1 332,087
-1 -332,087

Let's try dividing by 4:

332,087 ÷ 4 = 83,021.75

If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 83,021.75 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:

1 332,087
-1 332,087
Keep dividing by the next highest number until you cannot divide anymore.

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

1747,441332,087
-1-7-47,441-332,087

More Examples

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