Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 332,957?

 A:
Positive:   1 x 332957233 x 1429
Negative: -1 x -332957-233 x -1429


How do I find the factor combinations of the number 332,957?

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 332,957, 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.

1 332,957
-1 -332,957

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 332,957.

Example:
1 x 332,957 = 332,957
and
-1 x -332,957 = 332,957
Notice both answers equal 332,957

With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 332,957 and divide it by 2:

332,957 ÷ 2 = 166,478.5

If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 166,478.5 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:

1 332,957
-1 -332,957

Now, we try dividing 332,957 by 3:

332,957 ÷ 3 = 110,985.6667

If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 110,985.6667 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:

1 332,957
-1 -332,957

Let's try dividing by 4:

332,957 ÷ 4 = 83,239.25

If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 83,239.25 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:

1 332,957
-1 332,957
Keep dividing by the next highest number until you cannot divide anymore.

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

12331,429332,957
-1-233-1,429-332,957

More Examples

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