Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 347,909?

 A:
Positive:   1 x 34790919 x 18311
Negative: -1 x -347909-19 x -18311


How do I find the factor combinations of the number 347,909?

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 347,909, 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.

1 347,909
-1 -347,909

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 347,909.

Example:
1 x 347,909 = 347,909
and
-1 x -347,909 = 347,909
Notice both answers equal 347,909

With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 347,909 and divide it by 2:

347,909 ÷ 2 = 173,954.5

If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 173,954.5 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:

1 347,909
-1 -347,909

Now, we try dividing 347,909 by 3:

347,909 ÷ 3 = 115,969.6667

If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 115,969.6667 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:

1 347,909
-1 -347,909

Let's try dividing by 4:

347,909 ÷ 4 = 86,977.25

If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 86,977.25 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:

1 347,909
-1 347,909
Keep dividing by the next highest number until you cannot divide anymore.

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

11918,311347,909
-1-19-18,311-347,909

More Examples

Here are some more numbers to try:

Try the factor calculator

Explore more about the number 347,909:


Ask a Question