Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 333,896?

 A:
Positive:   1 x 3338962 x 1669484 x 834748 x 41737
Negative: -1 x -333896-2 x -166948-4 x -83474-8 x -41737


How do I find the factor combinations of the number 333,896?

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 333,896, 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.

1 333,896
-1 -333,896

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 333,896.

Example:
1 x 333,896 = 333,896
and
-1 x -333,896 = 333,896
Notice both answers equal 333,896

With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 333,896 and divide it by 2:

333,896 ÷ 2 = 166,948

If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 166,948 are factors. In this case, the quotient is a whole number. Write them in the table inside the other two factors like the below example. Don't forget to write the negative numbers too!

Here is what our table should look like at this step:

1 2 166,948 333,896
-1 -2 -166,948 -333,896

Now, we try dividing 333,896 by 3:

333,896 ÷ 3 = 111,298.6667

If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 111,298.6667 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 2 166,948 333,896
-1 -2 -166,948 -333,896

Let's try dividing by 4:

333,896 ÷ 4 = 83,474

If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 83,474 are factors. In this case, the quotient is a whole number. Write them in the table inside the other two factors like the below example. Don't forget to write the negative numbers too!

Here is what our table should look like at this step:

1 2 4 83,474 166,948 333,896
-1 -2 -4 -83,474 -166,948 333,896
Keep dividing by the next highest number until you cannot divide anymore.

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

124841,73783,474166,948333,896
-1-2-4-8-41,737-83,474-166,948-333,896

More Examples

Here are some more numbers to try:

Try the factor calculator

Explore more about the number 333,896:


Ask a Question