Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 338,639?
A:
Positive:
1 x 3386397 x 4837749 x 6911
Negative:
-1 x -338639-7 x -48377-49 x -6911
A:
Positive:
1 x 3386397 x 4837749 x 6911
Negative:
-1 x -338639-7 x -48377-49 x -6911
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 338,639, it is easier to work with a table - it's called factoring from the outside in.
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 | 338,639 | |
-1 | -338,639 |
When you multiply two negative numbers together, you get a positive number. That means both the positive and negative numbers are factors of 338,639.
Example:
1 x 338,639 = 338,639
and
-1 x -338,639 = 338,639
Notice both answers equal 338,639
With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 338,639 and divide it by 2:
338,639 ÷ 2 = 169,319.5
If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 169,319.5 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 | 338,639 | |
-1 | -338,639 |
Now, we try dividing 338,639 by 3:
338,639 ÷ 3 = 112,879.6667
If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 112,879.6667 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 | 338,639 | |
-1 | -338,639 |
Let's try dividing by 4:
338,639 ÷ 4 = 84,659.75
If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 84,659.75 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 | 338,639 | |
-1 | 338,639 |
If you did it right, you will end up with this table:
1 | 7 | 49 | 6,911 | 48,377 | 338,639 |
-1 | -7 | -49 | -6,911 | -48,377 | -338,639 |
Here are some more numbers to try:
Try the factor calculator