Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 344,815?
A:
Positive:
1 x 3448155 x 68963
Negative:
-1 x -344815-5 x -68963
A:
Positive:
1 x 3448155 x 68963
Negative:
-1 x -344815-5 x -68963
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 344,815, 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 | 344,815 | |
-1 | -344,815 |
When you multiply two negative numbers together, you get a positive number. That means both the positive and negative numbers are factors of 344,815.
Example:
1 x 344,815 = 344,815
and
-1 x -344,815 = 344,815
Notice both answers equal 344,815
With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 344,815 and divide it by 2:
344,815 ÷ 2 = 172,407.5
If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 172,407.5 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 | 344,815 | |
-1 | -344,815 |
Now, we try dividing 344,815 by 3:
344,815 ÷ 3 = 114,938.3333
If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 114,938.3333 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 | 344,815 | |
-1 | -344,815 |
Let's try dividing by 4:
344,815 ÷ 4 = 86,203.75
If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 86,203.75 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 | 344,815 | |
-1 | 344,815 |
If you did it right, you will end up with this table:
1 | 5 | 68,963 | 344,815 |
-1 | -5 | -68,963 | -344,815 |
Here are some more numbers to try:
Try the factor calculator