Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 338,401?

 A:
Positive:   1 x 3384017 x 4834329 x 11669203 x 1667
Negative: -1 x -338401-7 x -48343-29 x -11669-203 x -1667


How do I find the factor combinations of the number 338,401?

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 338,401, 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.

1 338,401
-1 -338,401

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 338,401.

Example:
1 x 338,401 = 338,401
and
-1 x -338,401 = 338,401
Notice both answers equal 338,401

With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 338,401 and divide it by 2:

338,401 ÷ 2 = 169,200.5

If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 169,200.5 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:

1 338,401
-1 -338,401

Now, we try dividing 338,401 by 3:

338,401 ÷ 3 = 112,800.3333

If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 112,800.3333 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:

1 338,401
-1 -338,401

Let's try dividing by 4:

338,401 ÷ 4 = 84,600.25

If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 84,600.25 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:

1 338,401
-1 338,401
Keep dividing by the next highest number until you cannot divide anymore.

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

17292031,66711,66948,343338,401
-1-7-29-203-1,667-11,669-48,343-338,401

More Examples

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