Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 334,501?

 A:
Positive:   1 x 334501167 x 2003
Negative: -1 x -334501-167 x -2003


How do I find the factor combinations of the number 334,501?

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 334,501, 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.

1 334,501
-1 -334,501

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 334,501.

Example:
1 x 334,501 = 334,501
and
-1 x -334,501 = 334,501
Notice both answers equal 334,501

With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 334,501 and divide it by 2:

334,501 ÷ 2 = 167,250.5

If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 167,250.5 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:

1 334,501
-1 -334,501

Now, we try dividing 334,501 by 3:

334,501 ÷ 3 = 111,500.3333

If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 111,500.3333 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:

1 334,501
-1 -334,501

Let's try dividing by 4:

334,501 ÷ 4 = 83,625.25

If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 83,625.25 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:

1 334,501
-1 334,501
Keep dividing by the next highest number until you cannot divide anymore.

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

11672,003334,501
-1-167-2,003-334,501

More Examples

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