How do I find the factor combinations of the number 342,125?
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 342,125, 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.
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 342,125.
Example:
1 x 342,125 = 342,125
and
-1 x -342,125 = 342,125
Notice both answers equal 342,125
With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 342,125 and divide it by 2:
342,125 ÷ 2 = 171,062.5
If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 171,062.5 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:
Now, we try dividing 342,125 by 3:
342,125 ÷ 3 = 114,041.6667
If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 114,041.6667 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:
Let's try dividing by 4:
342,125 ÷ 4 = 85,531.25
If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 85,531.25 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:
Keep dividing by the next highest number until you cannot divide anymore.
If you did it right, you will end up with this table:
More Examples
Here are some more numbers to try:
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