Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 358,823?

 A:
Positive:   1 x 35882323 x 15601
Negative: -1 x -358823-23 x -15601


How do I find the factor combinations of the number 358,823?

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 358,823, 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.

1 358,823
-1 -358,823

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 358,823.

Example:
1 x 358,823 = 358,823
and
-1 x -358,823 = 358,823
Notice both answers equal 358,823

With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 358,823 and divide it by 2:

358,823 ÷ 2 = 179,411.5

If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 179,411.5 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:

1 358,823
-1 -358,823

Now, we try dividing 358,823 by 3:

358,823 ÷ 3 = 119,607.6667

If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 119,607.6667 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:

1 358,823
-1 -358,823

Let's try dividing by 4:

358,823 ÷ 4 = 89,705.75

If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 89,705.75 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:

1 358,823
-1 358,823
Keep dividing by the next highest number until you cannot divide anymore.

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

12315,601358,823
-1-23-15,601-358,823

More Examples

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