Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 343,937?
A:
Positive:
1 x 34393711 x 31267
Negative:
-1 x -343937-11 x -31267
A:
Positive:
1 x 34393711 x 31267
Negative:
-1 x -343937-11 x -31267
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 343,937, 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 | 343,937 | |
-1 | -343,937 |
When you multiply two negative numbers together, you get a positive number. That means both the positive and negative numbers are factors of 343,937.
Example:
1 x 343,937 = 343,937
and
-1 x -343,937 = 343,937
Notice both answers equal 343,937
With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 343,937 and divide it by 2:
343,937 ÷ 2 = 171,968.5
If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 171,968.5 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 | 343,937 | |
-1 | -343,937 |
Now, we try dividing 343,937 by 3:
343,937 ÷ 3 = 114,645.6667
If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 114,645.6667 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 | 343,937 | |
-1 | -343,937 |
Let's try dividing by 4:
343,937 ÷ 4 = 85,984.25
If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 85,984.25 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 | 343,937 | |
-1 | 343,937 |
If you did it right, you will end up with this table:
1 | 11 | 31,267 | 343,937 |
-1 | -11 | -31,267 | -343,937 |
Here are some more numbers to try:
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