Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 345,899?

 A:
Positive:   1 x 34589917 x 20347
Negative: -1 x -345899-17 x -20347


How do I find the factor combinations of the number 345,899?

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 345,899, 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.

1 345,899
-1 -345,899

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 345,899.

Example:
1 x 345,899 = 345,899
and
-1 x -345,899 = 345,899
Notice both answers equal 345,899

With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 345,899 and divide it by 2:

345,899 ÷ 2 = 172,949.5

If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 172,949.5 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:

1 345,899
-1 -345,899

Now, we try dividing 345,899 by 3:

345,899 ÷ 3 = 115,299.6667

If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 115,299.6667 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:

1 345,899
-1 -345,899

Let's try dividing by 4:

345,899 ÷ 4 = 86,474.75

If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 86,474.75 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:

1 345,899
-1 345,899
Keep dividing by the next highest number until you cannot divide anymore.

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

11720,347345,899
-1-17-20,347-345,899

More Examples

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