Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 341,804?

 A:
Positive:   1 x 3418042 x 1709024 x 85451
Negative: -1 x -341804-2 x -170902-4 x -85451


How do I find the factor combinations of the number 341,804?

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 341,804, 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.

1 341,804
-1 -341,804

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 341,804.

Example:
1 x 341,804 = 341,804
and
-1 x -341,804 = 341,804
Notice both answers equal 341,804

With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 341,804 and divide it by 2:

341,804 ÷ 2 = 170,902

If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 170,902 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 2 170,902 341,804
-1 -2 -170,902 -341,804

Now, we try dividing 341,804 by 3:

341,804 ÷ 3 = 113,934.6667

If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 113,934.6667 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 2 170,902 341,804
-1 -2 -170,902 -341,804

Let's try dividing by 4:

341,804 ÷ 4 = 85,451

If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 85,451 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 85,451 170,902 341,804
-1 -2 -4 -85,451 -170,902 341,804
Keep dividing by the next highest number until you cannot divide anymore.

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

12485,451170,902341,804
-1-2-4-85,451-170,902-341,804

More Examples

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