Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 340,072?

 A:
Positive:   1 x 3400722 x 1700364 x 850188 x 42509
Negative: -1 x -340072-2 x -170036-4 x -85018-8 x -42509


How do I find the factor combinations of the number 340,072?

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 340,072, 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.

1 340,072
-1 -340,072

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 340,072.

Example:
1 x 340,072 = 340,072
and
-1 x -340,072 = 340,072
Notice both answers equal 340,072

With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 340,072 and divide it by 2:

340,072 ÷ 2 = 170,036

If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 170,036 are factors. In this case, the quotient is a whole number. Write them in the table inside the other two factors like the below example. Don't forget to write the negative numbers too!

Here is what our table should look like at this step:

1 2 170,036 340,072
-1 -2 -170,036 -340,072

Now, we try dividing 340,072 by 3:

340,072 ÷ 3 = 113,357.3333

If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 113,357.3333 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 2 170,036 340,072
-1 -2 -170,036 -340,072

Let's try dividing by 4:

340,072 ÷ 4 = 85,018

If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 85,018 are factors. In this case, the quotient is a whole number. Write them in the table inside the other two factors like the below example. Don't forget to write the negative numbers too!

Here is what our table should look like at this step:

1 2 4 85,018 170,036 340,072
-1 -2 -4 -85,018 -170,036 340,072
Keep dividing by the next highest number until you cannot divide anymore.

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

124842,50985,018170,036340,072
-1-2-4-8-42,509-85,018-170,036-340,072

More Examples

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