Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 338,227?

 A:
Positive:   1 x 33822729 x 11663107 x 3161109 x 3103
Negative: -1 x -338227-29 x -11663-107 x -3161-109 x -3103


How do I find the factor combinations of the number 338,227?

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 338,227, 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.

1 338,227
-1 -338,227

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 338,227.

Example:
1 x 338,227 = 338,227
and
-1 x -338,227 = 338,227
Notice both answers equal 338,227

With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 338,227 and divide it by 2:

338,227 ÷ 2 = 169,113.5

If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 169,113.5 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:

1 338,227
-1 -338,227

Now, we try dividing 338,227 by 3:

338,227 ÷ 3 = 112,742.3333

If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 112,742.3333 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:

1 338,227
-1 -338,227

Let's try dividing by 4:

338,227 ÷ 4 = 84,556.75

If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 84,556.75 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:

1 338,227
-1 338,227
Keep dividing by the next highest number until you cannot divide anymore.

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

1291071093,1033,16111,663338,227
-1-29-107-109-3,103-3,161-11,663-338,227

More Examples

Here are some more numbers to try:

Try the factor calculator

Explore more about the number 338,227:


Ask a Question