Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 338,645?

 A:
Positive:   1 x 3386455 x 6772989 x 3805445 x 761
Negative: -1 x -338645-5 x -67729-89 x -3805-445 x -761


How do I find the factor combinations of the number 338,645?

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 338,645, 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.

1 338,645
-1 -338,645

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 338,645.

Example:
1 x 338,645 = 338,645
and
-1 x -338,645 = 338,645
Notice both answers equal 338,645

With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 338,645 and divide it by 2:

338,645 ÷ 2 = 169,322.5

If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 169,322.5 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:

1 338,645
-1 -338,645

Now, we try dividing 338,645 by 3:

338,645 ÷ 3 = 112,881.6667

If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 112,881.6667 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:

1 338,645
-1 -338,645

Let's try dividing by 4:

338,645 ÷ 4 = 84,661.25

If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 84,661.25 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:

1 338,645
-1 338,645
Keep dividing by the next highest number until you cannot divide anymore.

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

15894457613,80567,729338,645
-1-5-89-445-761-3,805-67,729-338,645

More Examples

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