Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 352,231?

 A:
Positive:   1 x 35223111 x 3202141 x 859171 x 4961121 x 2911451 x 781
Negative: -1 x -352231-11 x -32021-41 x -8591-71 x -4961-121 x -2911-451 x -781


How do I find the factor combinations of the number 352,231?

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 352,231, 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.

1 352,231
-1 -352,231

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 352,231.

Example:
1 x 352,231 = 352,231
and
-1 x -352,231 = 352,231
Notice both answers equal 352,231

With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 352,231 and divide it by 2:

352,231 ÷ 2 = 176,115.5

If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 176,115.5 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:

1 352,231
-1 -352,231

Now, we try dividing 352,231 by 3:

352,231 ÷ 3 = 117,410.3333

If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 117,410.3333 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:

1 352,231
-1 -352,231

Let's try dividing by 4:

352,231 ÷ 4 = 88,057.75

If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 88,057.75 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:

1 352,231
-1 352,231
Keep dividing by the next highest number until you cannot divide anymore.

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

11141711214517812,9114,9618,59132,021352,231
-1-11-41-71-121-451-781-2,911-4,961-8,591-32,021-352,231

More Examples

Here are some more numbers to try:

Try the factor calculator

Explore more about the number 352,231:


Ask a Question